MRAA comments on fuel prices
BOCA GRANDE, Fla. — The Marine Retailers Association of America (MRAA) has submitted its commentary regarding the House Committee on Natural Resources oversight hearing on rising gas prices.
The hearing is schedule for March 31.
In a letter to committee chairman Doc Hastings. MRAA President Phil Keeter and Chairman Dave Foulkrod addressed the economic impact of recreational boating, the possible effects of higher gas prices and asks the US to release stored crude oil from the Strategic Patroleum Reserve.
“Just as we see a slight recovery from the effects of the recession and professional finacial analysts predict an industry rebound, rising gasoline and fuel costs threaten to send our industry into a double dip recession,” the letter says. “We are very dependent on stability in fuel prices for the average American family to enjoy boating. But with gas prices nearng $4 per gallon, it’s not just drivers of cars who are putting the brakes on their summer plans… What does less demand for boats and the boating lifestyle mean? It means fewer American jobs. And it affects the entire tourism industry around many cities and towns on the water that are frequented by boaters. Restaurants will sell fewer meals.”
The MRAA encourages those interested in submitting testimony to do so before the March 31 deadline.
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