WASHINGTON, DC (May 1, 2024): Today, Southeastern Legal Foundation testified before the Executive Office of the President regarding the Biden Administration’s proposed attempts to limit the speed of boats traveling in the Atlantic to 10 knots, the speed of a golf cart.
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has been taking directions from environmental special interest groups who have unilaterally declared boating and fishing to pose an existential threat to endangered whales. Its latest proposal to set a 10-knot speed limit on boats traveling in the Florida gulf is its boldest yet. If boaters fail to comply with the new rule, they face criminal penalties, including imprisonment and fines of up to $20,000. Worst of all, the executive agency does not have the authority from Congress to impose such a sweeping measure. It is acting unilaterally and without any accountability.
Building on a public comment SLF issued last year in opposition to the proposed rule, SLF testified today that the agency must walk back its unlawful proposal.
Vice President of Litigation for SLF Braden Boucek states, “We are proud to stand behind everyday Americans who enjoy boating and fishing. If this new rule goes into effect, it will shut down an American pastime. We hope the Biden Administration heard our demands loud and clear, but if not, we stand ready to hold the executive branch accountable for violating separation of powers and criminalizing an entire industry.”
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