Congress is considering new bipartisan legislation that will halt a proposed 10 knot speed limit in coastal waters while taking steps to implement innovative solutions to protect endangered marine life.

The new legislation, the Protecting Whales, Human Safety, and the Economy Act of 2023, is sponsored by Senators Joe Manchin of West Virginia, John Boozman of Arkansas and Representatives Mary Peltola of Alaska and Buddy Carter of Georgia. The bipartisan legislation will advance innovative solutions to protect endangered marine life, while also halting overly restrictive federal regulations that would negatively impact coastal economies and limit boating access for Americans. The Protecting Whales, Human Safety, and the Economy Act of 2023 will:

• Prevent the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from implementing a restrictive vessel speed limit that threatens boater safety and local economies up-and-down the coast; and

• Encourage NOAA to implement technology- based real time location monitoring solutions that will better allow boaters to maintain safe distances from marine life and avoid dangerous situations

The recreational boating industry strongly supports this balanced, bipartisan policy. Please write to your members of Congress and urge them to support and cosponsor the Protecting Whales, Human Safety, and the Economy Act of 2023 which will bring innovative, high-tech solutions to the protection of endangered marine life and protect recreational boating access for American families across the country.