Boating Access Threats and Industry’s Economic Impact take Center Stage at California Boating Congress

This week, the 2026 California Boating Congress was held in Sacramento, Calif. Co-hosted by NMMA, the two-day advocacy event focused heavily on boating access issues and the economic impact of the recreational boating industry.

Assemblymember Diane Papan, Chair of the Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee, discussed her committee's efforts to combat the golden mussel, a recently introduced aquatic invasive species, and protect boating access. Chair Papan's bill, A.B.1772, would help reduce the risk of spreading the golden mussel and create alternative funding resources to maintain recreational access - A.B.1772 is a top priority for NMMA.

NMMA's Acting Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs Clay Crabtree moderated a presentation and discussion from officials with the California Air Resources Board, which focused on their most recent Recreational Marine Vessels Emissions Inventory model.

Throughout the two-day event, attendees representing California marinas, manufacturers, boaters, and other stakeholders heard from several bipartisan California legislators and agency officials on top priorities that businesses and boaters are facing in the Golden State.

Attendees also heard from state regulators commencing an updated study to look at the economic impact of the recreational boating industry in California, as well as the state's efforts to improve boating inspection and decontamination stations at several access points.

NMMA's Chief Administrative Officer and Senior Vice President of Operations Robert Newsome delivered remarks to the attendees, highlighting the $17.3 billion annual economic impact of the recreational boating industry in California and the current state of the industry.

To learn more about NMMA's work in California, please contact Clay Crabtree, NMMA's Acting Vice President of Public Policy & Government Affairs, at [email protected].