The NMTA Government Affairs Program exists to:
Our volunteer Government Affairs Committee meets bi-monthly to review current topics and provide guidance to staff. We are always looking for new members who have an interest in the political process and want to influence policy in the State of Washington. This committee is comprised of members who represent all sectors of our industry.
Thanks to strong advocacy from NMTA and its partners, the legislature has removed the proposed “luxury” tax on boats (SB5801), saving the marine industry from an estimated $13 million annual burden. Although luxury taxes on airplanes, cars, and motorhomes remain, the only new cost for the boating sector will be a small half-cent sales tax increase on recreational vessels starting in July 2026. This reduces the industry’s projected six-year tax impact from $78 million to just $7 million—a major victory achieved through 1,371 collective advocacy actions.
Successfully amended HB-1085 with support from marina owners, port authorities, dock builders, and marine industry experts. Prevented a proposed ban on the use of hard encased, environmentally secure, foam marine floats which are the industry standard for marinas and boat lifts.
Led a coalition for increased state funding to improve pump out access for easier compliance with no discharge zone regulations and secured state funding for removal of derelict structures in addition to derelict vessels.
New Boatyard General Permit requires a new Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for all boatyards every five years. NMTA created a new 65-page SWPPP template for all member boatyards.
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Note: This material will be added prospectively. Email jay@nmta.net with any questions.
Get InvolvedFor more information on how you can get involved, please contact NMTA’s Director of Government Affairs, Jay Jennings at jay@nmta.net call our office at (206) 634-0911.
Visit www.leg.wa.gov
Click on “Find Your District”
Visit https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/
Click on “Find Your Legislator”
New Global Research Outlines Portfolio of Technologies to Further Reduce Carbon Emissions from Recreational Boats – VIEW HERE
National Marine Manufacturers Association Website
Association of Washington Business
Propelling Our Future – Our Plan to Reduce Carbon Emissions
NMTA PAC is a non-partisan political action committee created to elect state leaders who understand and care about our issues. We support the campaigns of responsible leaders with financial contributions and by hosting fundraisers and other events promoting their candidacy.
The strength and success of NMTA PAC is dependent on the support of NMTA members. Every dollar donated to the PAC goes to promoting recreational boating through good government.
The Political Action Committee approves all monetary contributions to candidates based on their experience, integrity, and support of industry issues related to Small Business; regulatory fairness; the environment; and fiscal responsibility.
Our PAC relies on member participation and activism for success. You can get involved by serving as a volunteer on the Political Action Committee, which makes decisions about which candidates shall receive campaign contributions.
We also rely on monetary contributions from our members to fund our support of candidates. NMTA members have the option to contribute $65 each year with their renewals and to contribute throughout the year directly to the PAC, or at political fundraisers.
2026 Is a Pivotal Election Year — Let’s Stand Together
Dear Fellow Members of the Northwest Marine Trade Association,
The future of our industry is on the ballot. The decisions made in Olympia directly affect your business, your bottom line, and your customers. While other organizations—some with agendas that conflict with ours—are investing heavily to shape policy, we must do the same. If we don’t speak up, others will speak for us.
We’ve proven what’s possible when we unite. Together, we defeated the proposed “luxury” boat tax, saving our industry $70 million over the next six years and protecting hundreds of jobs. But that was just one battle. The war for fair representation and economic sustainability continues.
Our industry contributes at least $8.1 billion annually to Washington’s economy, yet Olympia is facing a $1 billion budget shortfall. That means new taxes are coming—and without strong allies in office, our businesses will bear the brunt.
We cannot afford to be passive. Too many lawmakers are indifferent or uninformed about the marine trades and sportfishing. We need champions—leaders who understand our value and will fight for our future.
Politics is expensive, but silence is costlier. Winning a House seat in Washington can cost $500,000; a Senate seat, over $1 million. If we want our voices heard, we must invest in candidates who will listen.
Now is the time to act. Support the NMTA Political Action Committee. Your contribution isn’t just a donation—it’s a declaration that our industry matters, and we’re ready to protect it.
Together, we can shape a future where marine trades thrive.
Sincerely,
NMTA Government Affairs Team
NMTA PAC is a non-partisan political action committee created to elect state leaders who understand and care about our issues. We support the campaigns of responsible leaders with financial contributions and by hosting fundraisers and other events promoting their candidacy.
The strength and success of NMTA PAC is dependent on the support of NMTA members. Every dollar donated to the PAC goes to promoting recreational boating through good government.
The Political Action Committee approves all monetary contributions to candidates based on their experience, integrity, and support of industry issues related to Small Business; regulatory fairness; the environment; and fiscal responsibility.
Our PAC relies on member participation and activism for success. You can get involved by serving as a volunteer on the Political Action Committee, which makes decisions about which candidates shall receive campaign contributions.
We also rely on monetary contributions from our members to fund our support of candidates. NMTA members have the option to contribute $65 each year with their renewals and to contribute throughout the year directly to the PAC, or at political fundraisers.
