Friday, September 15, 2000
More On PWCs - Ed @ 21:23 EST
SVIA: Wake up!!! The news in the press release below is on top of the recent law signed in New York State that allows localities to impose spot bans on personal watercraft (PWCs or "Jet-Skis") where engine-powered watercraft of any sort are otherwise legal for use. You don't have to like PWCs one bit to understand where this is going... Very strict NYS emissions rules on new PWCs (up to 96.5% reduction by 2009) may result in the failure of the PWC industry in NY if technology cannot save the day. While many folks would applaud that happening (and are counting on it to their glee), consider that this could be a herald to such ominous restriction being placed on new snowmobiles, ATVs & trailbikes sold in NY (it's already almost impossible to street-register a trailbike in NY anymore due to a DMV clampdown in the last year). PWCs were an easy target. Please let's not be next. Alex Ernst -----Original Message----- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: GOVERNOR PATAKI SIGNS BILL TO TIGHTEN JET SKI EMISSION STANDARDS Jet Skis in New York Must Meet Nation's Most Stringent Air Emissions Standards Governor George E. Pataki today signed into law legislation requiring all new spark ignition engines used in personal watercraft, or "jet ski" engines manufactured or sold in New York State to meet California air emissions and labeling "New York State leads the nation in the fight to protect our natural resources and provide a cleaner, safer and healthier environment for ourselves and future generations," Governor Pataki said. "By reducing emissions that harm our air and water, we're again taking the lead in protecting public health and the environment, preserving the quality of our waters, and ensuring that recreational use Adoption of the California standards will result in engines that are three times cleaner than those required under federal emissions Under the federal Clean Air Act, states that want to adopt stricter emissions standards for vehicle engines may adopt California emissions programs. The standards, which only apply to new engines, will reduce emissions by 70% in 2002, 90% in 2005 and 96.5% in 2009. Jet ski engines produce hydrocarbons, which are a key component in the formation of summertime ozone, also known as "smog," which poses a significant public health threat. Senator Kenneth P. LaValle said, "The air emission standards developed under this law will be the most stringent in the country and the labeling program will ensure that consumers are aware that their personal watercraft meet those standards. The environmental effects will be far reaching, resulting in cleaner air and water and protection of the marine habitat. Only by aggressively seeking out new and creative methods will we continue to protect the health and welfare of New York's citizens and ensure that the state remains a national leader on the environmental front." Personal watercraft (commonly known by the trademarked name "Jet Ski") have two-stroke engines, which discharge up to one-third of their fuel, unburned, into the air and water, threatening marine ecosystems and polluting the air. In many states, water bodies have been impaired by the heavy use of these engines. "Under Governor Pataki's leadership, New York has led the way in controlling all sources of air pollution," said John P. Cahill, Natural Resources Defense Council President John Adams said, "Signing a new law that will clean up New York's jet skis caps a great year for the environment inNew York. Once again, New York will be setting the environmental pace for the rest of the nation." Elizabeth C. Miller, chief executive officer of the American Lung Association of New York State, said, "This is a wonderful day for New Yorkers. By signing this bill into law, Governor Pataki has once again demonstrated the leading role that New York plays in setting national clean air policy. This law will help improve the air that New Yorkers breathe and will thereby improve the health of all New Yorkers." Neil F. Woodworth, counsel to the Adirondack Mountain Club, said, "This jet ski pollution control law will greatly improve the water quality of lakes in the Adirondacks and throughout New York. Trout, loons, swimmers and canoeists will all benefit." In related action, Governor Pataki on September 1 signed legislation allowing local governments to regulate the use of personal watercraft up to 1,500 feet from shore on New York's waterways. "This is the second environmental home run for the Governor in as many weeks," said Paul J. Elston, chairman of the New York League of Conservation Voters." Last week, the Governor signed legislation to authorize local regulation of jet skis. This bill will remove the worst motors from our waterways. This is important legislation for the future of New York's air quality." Adirondack Council Executive Director Timothy J. Burke said, "Most people, even most jet ski owners, have no idea how much pollution one jet ski can cause. This new law will help to prevent the degradation of countless Adirondack lakes and rivers by preventing pollution wherever jet skis are allowed." Ned Sullivan, executive director of the Poughkeepsie-based environmental organization Scenic Hudson said, "This issue is extremely important to the environmental health of the Hudson River, the people of the Valley, and indeed all New Yorkers. We are very grateful for all the effort that has gone into mitigating some of the air, water and noise pollution generated by these crafts." The new requirement will apply to personal watercraft in New York two years after DEC adopts the regulations. DEC is expected to adopt the new regulations by October 2001.
www.nysorva.org
Subject: Here they go again
September 11, 2000
regulations, the most stringent in the nation.
doesn't harm our natural resources."
standards. The State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will promulgate regulations to require new personal watercraft registered in New York to comply with the new standards.
Commissioner of Environmental Conservation. "In just seven hours on the water, a two-stroke, personal watercraft engine emits as much pollution as a new car driven 100,000 miles."
Saturday, September 09, 2000
New PWC Restriction Law--Who's next? - Ed @ 08:06 EST
Who's next? ATVs? Snowmobiles? Motorcycles? Mountain bikes? Horses? Remember to keep an eye on your Legislature and Executive so they don't try to outlaw your preferred form of recreation... While in the abstract the new law discussed below gives some power of home rule back to communities, in the specific it provides for a way to legally discriminate against certain registered vehicles otherwise covered under the same laws as any motorized water-borne craft. Are PWCs problematic? Sure, in the wrong hands. So is anything. You be the judge if this is the right reaction by your elected officials, and consider that the same method could be used to restrict your responsibly-pursued recreational pastime if you do not advocate for it. Alex Ernst FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: GOVERNOR PATAKI SIGNS LAW PROVIDING LOCAL CONTROL OF JET SKIS The legislation allows cities, towns and villages to regulate or even prohibit personal watercraft in municipal waters up to 1,500 feet from the shoreline following the holding of a public hearing and the adoption of a local law. "This new law puts the power to decide what is best for a local community right where it belongs: in the hands of the people of the community," Governor Pataki "Some communities see jet skis on their local lakes as a problem, while other municipalities welcome the tourism dollars they bring. It's clear that one-size-fits-all rules imposed by Albany no longer make sense. Local communities can now make their own decisions that fit their needs." Senator Carl L. Marcellino said, "When jet skis Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said, "It is important to note that as the number of jet skis has grown significantly in recent years, the number of accidents Senator Ken LaValle said, "The proliferation of personal watercraft has sometimes resulted in user conflicts at beaches and in near-shore waters. This legislation enables municipalities to regulate jet ski activities in local waters so that one user group does not infringe upon the rights of swimmers, boaters, surf fishermen and beach-goers." Assemblyman Thomas DiNapoli said, "This new law will allow local governments to determine how best to respond to the growing number of jet skis and the significant environmental implications of their use." -more- Assemblyman Fred Thiele said, "I congratulate Governor Pataki for signing legislation permitting local regulation of personal watercraft. The number of accidents on our waterways involving these craft have increased dramatically. As a former Town Supervisor, I know this law will not only provide home rule, but safer waterways for the people of Long Island and New York." Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito said, "With input from environmental advocates in my district, including New York Rivers United, we were able to craft legislation Assemblyman Steve Englebright said, "This legislation represents a balanced approach that will allow municipalities around the state to address increasing concerns about the effects of jet skis on local ecosystems and on the quality of life of those who live in waterfront areas." Suffolk County Executive Robert J. Gaffney said, "When used correctly and with consideration towards others, jet skis can be a great source of entertainment Southampton Town Supervisor Vince Cannuscio said, "Governor Pataki has enabled powerful legislation for local municipalities to regulate use of personal watercraft. Timothy Burke, Executive Director of The Adirondack Council, said, ""We congratulate Governor Pataki, the Senate and Assembly for their leadership on this jet ski legislation. This law will enable Adirondack communities, and others across the state, to adopt ordinances to protect the water quality, shoreline habitat and public safety on countless lakes and ponds. This is yet another in a long list of initiatives by Governor Pataki that will protect the environment and specifically water quality in the Adirondack Park." State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro said, "I applaud Governor Pataki for his insight and balanced approach to PWC regulation as this law will help protect environmentally sensitive areas and allow municipalities to manage their local shorefronts. By allowing this local regulation, all interests can be heard and issues debated by those truly effected by these recreational vehicles the PWC operators and local residents." Since 1995, more than 200,000 of these machines have been sold annually in the United States and approximately 50,000 are currently registered in New York.
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September 1, 2000
Governor George E. Pataki today signed into law legislation that allows local governments to regulate the use of personal watercraft up to 1,500 feet from
shore on New York's waterways.
said. "Jet skis have been become enormously popular over the past few years as local governments have both embraced and opposed their use.
are operated improperly, they pose a serious danger to the public's safety as well as the health, privacy and beauty of local waterfronts. Local governments will now have the tools necessary to regulate their own waterways and address their own quality of life needs."
with these personal watercraft has also increased dramatically," said "This common-sense measure is necessary to protect public safety, and also to allow
local governments to address the noise generated by jet skis and their effects on fragile coastal areas."
that directly responds to concerns that have accompanied the growing use of personal watercraft throughout this state. This measure is a balance between the concerns of waterfront property owners and recreationalists."
and recreation. However when those riding jet skis show a disregard for the safety and well being of others, jet skis can be, at best, a serious nuisance,
and at worst, a danger to their operators and others. I applaud and thank Governor Pataki for signing this legislation allowing local governments to determine how and where jet skis can be operated."
This law respects the home rule authorities of Southampton Township and the regulatory jurisdiction of local waterways by the Board of Trustees.
I applaud the Governor's vision to provide legislation which balances the interests of personal watercraft operators, retailers, safety concerns of the community
and the environmental protection goals and shorefront management concerns of local government."
PWC comprise less than 10 percent of the registered recreational vessels in New York, yet they are involved in more than 30 percent of all vessel accidents.
In 1998, Governor Pataki signed legislation that makes boating safety education mandatory for all PWC operators. The five-year phase in program started this year with the youngest boaters being required to take the safety course. The legislation takes effect in 60 days.