“This is a beach-town Armageddon,” exclaimed Freddy Gamboa as he surveyed the scene at Clarks Landing Marina in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. The Biden administration’s proposed speed limits for boats along the East Coast are causing alarm and distress among coastal communities.
With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) at the helm, these limits are being justified as necessary to protect the endangered right whale. However, the economic consequences for businesses and livelihoods are staggering.
Freddy Gamboa, a charter boat company operator, expressed his frustration at the potential impact on his business. “No one is going to want to get on this boat,” he lamented, pointing to the three powerful Yamaha 300s on the stern of his motorboat. Under the proposed rule, his 36-foot Contender would be limited to a meager 11 miles per hour, significantly reducing the appeal for his customers.
The implications go far beyond boat operators like Gamboa. Businesses in coastal towns heavily rely on boat tourism to fuel their revenue. Andy Joseph, owner of the Boatyard, a well-known harbor-side restaurant, stressed the importance of these industries to their business model. Commercial and recreational fishing play a vital role, bringing in customers who contribute to the success of local establishments.
The impact is felt throughout the supply chain. Brian Stensland, owner of Fishermen’s Supply, expressed concern about the survival of his 75-year-old onsite operation. “We are not on the internet,” he emphasized. The proposed speed limits could spell the end for their business, as reduced foot traffic and a decline in fishing trips would be detrimental.
Rich Billotti, owner of the Surfside Motel, highlighted the far-reaching consequences of these speed restrictions. “These offshore speed restrictions will limit these fishing trips,” he warned. The hospitality industry at the Jersey Shore and along the entire East Coast would suffer a severe blow.
The Marine Manufacturers Association has estimated that the proposed rule could put 340,000 jobs at risk and threaten $84 billion in boat tourism revenue. These numbers are not to be taken lightly. The livelihoods of hardworking Americans are on the line.
Supporters of the proposed rule argue that it aims to protect the endangered right whale, with only about 350 individuals remaining. However, critics point out that the actual incidents of whale strikes involving boats under 65 feet have been minimal in the past 15 years. Buddy Carter, a Republican congressman from coastal Georgia, expressed his frustration, stating, “The chances of a right whale strike are less than one in a million, even according to NOAA’s calculations.” It is clear that this rule is a disproportionate burden on businesses and communities without a strong scientific basis.
Congressman Carter, along with Representative Mary Peltola, has taken swift action. They introduced a bill to defund the rule before it can be implemented. Their goal is to protect the economic well-being of coastal communities without sacrificing environmental concerns. It is a necessary step in challenging the excessive regulations imposed by unelected bureaucrats.
Passionate Republicans must unite against this government overreach. Our coastal towns and businesses are the backbone of our communities, providing jobs, supporting local economies, and fostering a way of life. The proposed speed limits threaten to undermine these foundations, stifling growth and suffocating hardworking Americans’ livelihoods.
Let us stand together and demand a fair and balanced approach—one that protects both our environment and our economic well-being. We cannot allow unelected bureaucrats to impose restrictions that cripple our coastal communities. The fight is not over, and we must remain vigilant in preserving our rights and freedoms.
Source Fox News