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Friends of Our Environment:
Your support is needed to endorse the proposal for a new Virginia law. This
proposed state statute would enable any political subdivisions, such as counties,
towns or cities, to regulate the use of personal watercraft,
also commonly
referred to as jet skis or jet craft, on local waters. This
type of “home
rule” legislation would allow political subdivisions, through
ordinance, to make and enforce rules, restrictions and regulations regarding
the use of
personal watercraft on area waterways.
Unlike traditional motor boats, personal watercraft can be easily operated at
high speeds of up to 70 mph on the most fragile, shallow waters and near shorelines
as well as on the deeper waters while emitting a high decibel of noise. The
high
level of noise generated by such watercraft disturbs the peaceful environment
of shorelines, homes and natural resources. These watercraft have the
potential
to create significant environmental, health, safety and wildlife impacts.
The publications, Caught In The Wake, by the Izaak
Walton League of America, Hostile Waters, by the American
Canoe Association, and Jet Ski Position Paper, by Bluewater Network, are reflective of the concerns and philosophy underlying
the need for new laws for the regulation of such watercraft. The negative
impacts caused by personal watercraft documented in these publications include:
Water
Pollution, Air Pollution, Noise Pollution, Effects on Wildlife, Conflicts with
Others’ Use and Enjoyment, and Safety.
This proposed new legislation would be similar
to existing state statutes which allow for individuals
or
groups
to make application to local governments for
placement of regulatory markers in state waters as in: Code Of Virginia
-Section 29.1-744. Local regulation; application for placement of “no wake” buoys,
etc. and, Section 29.1-734. Authorization for and placement of markers in
waters of the Commonwealth used for public swimming area; no motorboating,
waterskiing
in marked area. The process requires a letter of justification and other
information with the application. This is presented in a public hearing to
local government
such as the Board of Supervisors. The proposed legislation would enable any
political subdivision in Virginia to use a similar process to pass an ordinance
to regulate
or ban the use of personal watercraft on local waters.
The Federal government and state and local
governments throughout the United States are addressing the
problems
caused by personal watercraft and are
implementing solutions in the form of regulations and laws to solve these
problems. Additional
Information includes sources of the laws, regulatory rules and restrictions
for personal watercraft that are being proposed or have been enacted.
This campaign is a commitment to the protection and preservation of our
natural resources, our environment, our wildlife and our right to a peaceful
enjoyment
of these resources. Strong citizen endorsement and support for proposal
of this new legislation for more effective regulation of personal watercraft
is crucial!
Click on Action Alert to make your commitment. |
