The recreational boating industry came together in the United States this August to demonstrate the breadth of technologies and solutions helping reduce emissions while maintaining the performance, safety, range and reliability boaters expect.
Two Boating Technology Day events brought together legislators, regulators, marine manufacturers and industry leaders to explore the sector’s evolving approach to marine technology, efficiency and future fuels.
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Boating Technology Day – Chicago
Hosted at Suntex’s 31st Street Harbor during the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) in Chicago, the first event brought together state legislators from 10 states alongside marine manufacturers and industry representatives.
The programme combined expert presentations with on-water demonstrations, showcasing a range of technologies designed to reduce emissions from recreational boating.
Speakers included Kemba Solomon, Regulatory Affairs Manager at Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA; Eric Mueller, Director of Advanced Engineering at Mercury Marine; Gus Blakely, Senior Advisor at Suzuki Marine USA; and Jeff Wasil, Vice President of Environmental Compliance and Marine Technology at NMMA.
Together, they explored the industry’s diverse and technology-neutral approach to lowering emissions and improving efficiency.
See more about this event here
Boating Technology Day – Sacramento
A second event took place in Sacramento on 12 August, bringing together state legislators and regulators, including representatives from the California Air Resources Board, alongside marine manufacturers and industry leaders.
The event included a briefing at the state capitol followed by on-water demonstrations. Lori Wilson, Chair of the California Assembly’s Transportation Committee, opened the briefing by highlighting the economic importance of the recreational marine industry in California and the need for an all-of-the-above approach to further reducing emissions.
Additional speakers included Jess Hewitt, President of Hyperfuels, and Emil Hasl, Regulatory Manager at Volvo Penta, alongside representatives from Yamaha Motor Corporation, Mercury Marine, Suzuki Marine USA and NMMA.
The events were made possible through the support of industry members and partners who provided boats, technical expertise, compliance engineers, equipment, dealers, boat captains and logistical support.
The strong industry collaboration demonstrated the recreational marine sector’s commitment to communicating its technology story and engaging policymakers on the role of innovation and multiple solutions in the transition towards lower-emission boating.
Further updates are expected during the upcoming EMD Board and General Membership Meeting at IBEX 2026.
