Thank you for bringing your concerns to my attention. I appreciate the time you took to contact my office on this important issue and welcome the opportunity to respond.

When Congress passed the Clean Water Act, and the Environmental Pollution Agency (EPA) passed implementing regulations, the measure never was intended to cover discharge from recreational boats. The measure was meant to target the large polluters - cruise ships, cargo tankers, and supertankers. However, in an effort to punish supertankers polluting the Great Lakes, this U.S. District Court overturned the exemption for smaller, recreational boats, and instituted a discharge permit requirement for any boat by 2008 that discharges anything from deck water to engine cooling water. In a single decision, this judge ended a 34-year exemption that has worked for all those involved, added millions of dollars in permitting fees and hours of application procedures, and created unnecessary chaos for anyone who enjoys a leisurely boat ride. Unfortunately, this is yet another example of the harm activist judges inflict on our democratic process.

As you know, Congressman Steven LaTourette (R-OH) introduced H.R. 5949, the Clean Boating Act of 2008. This legislation would prevent the EPA from requiring permits for normal discharge from recreational boats such as deck runoff or bilge water. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is currently considering this legislation. Should the bill leave the committee and come before the whole House for a vote, I will be sure to keep your comments in mind.

You may also be interested to know that I am a co-sponsor of H.R. 2550, the Recreational Boating Act of 2008, which addresses the very same issue by reinstating the 34-year-old exemption on pollution discharge permits.

Throughout my tenure in public service, I have always kept an open door and an open dialogue with my constituents. As Congress addresses the many challenges facing our nation, I hope you will continue to share your thoughts and views with me. Accordingly, I encourage you to visit my Web site at http://brown-waite.house.gov to email me and find useful information about our 5th Congressional District.

It is my honor and privilege to serve the people of Florida's 5th Congressional District and my offices and staff are here to provide you with any assistance you may need.