Documentary Highlights Negative Impact of Vessel Speed Rule

On December 10, the Southeastern Legal Foundation (SLF) and the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) released a mini-documentary highlighting the effects of federal government overreach on coastal communities.

The film focuses on the proposed vessel speed rule by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that would limit boat speeds to 10 knots off the Atlantic Coast, a speed slower than an average golf cart.

The documentary features stories from North Carolina boaters, illustrating how such regulations could harm livelihoods that have sustained families for generations. SLF Vice President of Litigation Braden Boucek emphasized the importance of showcasing these personal narratives, stating, “North Carolinian boaters are the lifeblood of the coast and great examples of the hard work the boating industry requires.”

TPPF General Counsel Robert Henneke echoed this sentiment, noting that sharing these stories is crucial for understanding the real-world consequences of poorly conceived regulations. He expressed hope that the documentary would raise awareness about the impact of what he described as unconstitutional agency overreach.

By highlighting the potential negative impacts of the proposed NOAA rule, the documentary underscores the importance of ensuring that regulations do not unduly restrict access to public waters or hinder the competitiveness of the $230 billion marine manufacturing industry, which supports more than 812,000 jobs and is a uniquely American industry.

The mini documentary can be watched here.