Senator Jim Inhofe on Lake Texoma Coast Guard Exemptions

June 9, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.) yesterday introduced legislation to exempt fishing guides and other operators of uninspected vessels on Lake Texoma from Coast Guard regulation. The legislation will preserve the fishing guide industry and will ensure safety on Lake Texoma.

Senator Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) is a co-sponsor of the legislation and Congressman Dan Boren (D-Okla.) of the 2nd district has introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

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"After weeks of discussions with the Coast Guard and thoughtful consideration, many in the Oklahoma delegation have decided that this is the course of action that will best protect an industry that is extremely important to the people of southern Oklahoma," Inhofe said.

"While the waters on Lake Texoma are considered ‘navigable' and currently subject to federal regulation, this is inherently a state function and should be regulated at that level. This legislation will cede authority to conduct the licensing of fishing guides to the proper governing entity, which is the State of Oklahoma and not the federal government.

"The Coast Guard has not had an active presence at the lake until recently, whereas the State of Oklahoma's Department of Public Safety has a long history of ensuring safe boating activity there. Day in and day out, the State of Oklahoma will be better able to provide for the safety of individuals at the lake. Federal interference in the daily lives of Oklahomans is ever-increasing, and I believe it is important that we preserve state jurisdiction over activities such as this. This legislation accomplishes that."

Senator Tom Coburn, M.D. said, "Adding more federal regulations to small business owners is the exact opposite course of action this nation needs to be taking in these difficult economic times. Fishing guides and their customers on Lake Texoma will be better served if they're regulated by local authorities rather than a Washington bureaucrat who may never have even cast a line in the water," said Senator Tom Coburn, M.D.

Congressman Boren said, "I am proud to join Senator Inhofe, Senator Coburn, and Congressman Cole in this effort. It is critical that we provide for everyone's safety on the lake, while also allowing the local fishing guides and small vessel operators an opportunity to conduct their business without unreasonable regulation and burdensome interference."

Source: Senator James M. Inhofe