Survey reveals US boating industry policy priorities

A survey of US boating industry manufacturers resulted in over 1,500 responses to the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s (NMMA) first-ever boating industry policy survey, identifying and prioritising the top policy issues for the coming year. The responses exceeded the trade group’s original projections.

The top 5 issues were identified as E15 Ethanol fuel, recreational fishing, taxes, trade and boating safety. Additionally, respondents identified conservation, infrastructure and workforce development.

The NMMA dedicated significant effort and resources to these issues in 2018, resulting in some key legislative victories and will continue to prioritise these efforts in the coming year.

The NMMA says it is encouraged by these findings, considering these issues are more likely to advance in the current political climate at all levels of government.

Furthermore, conservation, infrastructure, workforce development, and several state specific issues – including uniformed titling and permitting – have long been top industry’s priorities, and the survey results call additional attention to the need to address them.