Image: CalRecycle Pursuant to the Responsible Textile Recovery Act, businesses that produce or sell apparel and textiles in California must register with the state's producer responsibility organization (PRO)—Landbell USA—by July 1. The Responsible Textile Recovery Act was passed in 2024 and establishes an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program, which ensures discarded textiles and apparel are [...]

A new law passed by the State Legislature and signed by Gov. Tim Walz makes a minor modification to Minnesota’s PFAS reporting requirements by excluding products made before July 1, 2023. Now, manufacturers or their representatives must report products that: are manufactured after July 1, 2023, are sold, offered for sale, or distributed in Minnesota [...]

Registration is now open for the 2026 International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX). The show returns to the Tampa Convention Center Oct. 6–8. The 2026 show is the final edition before IBEX transitions to December dates in 2027. This year’s event will introduce new experiences, expanded educational programming and enhanced opportunities for marine professionals to [...]

In conjunction with America’s 250th anniversary commemorations this year, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is celebrating the spirit of American small businesses through the Freedom 250 Patriot Pitch Competition — an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to compete for a $1 million prize pool. “The American story of innovation is rich, complex and wonderfully diverse. [...]

New Mexico’s Environmental Improvement Board finalized a rule (20.13.2 NMAC) regulating intentionally added PFAS in consumer products, effective July 1. The rule establishes a process for manufacturers to submit currently unavoidable use (CUU) proposals for exemption from state requirements, in addition to reporting, labeling and testing requirements, and fees and penalties. It strengthens the 2025 [...]

Beginning July 1, several products manufactured, sold, offered or distributed for sale in Connecticut must include a warning label if they contain intentionally added PFAS. Products that must be labeled include apparel, carpets or rugs, fabric treatments, textile furnishings, upholstered furniture, dental floss, cleaning products, cookware, cosmetic products, juvenile products, menstruation products and ski wax. [...]

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced two proposed rules on May 18 that would revise the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for several four per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Proposed rules The first proposed rule would rescind the regulatory determinations and Maximum Containment Level Goals for four PFAS, [...]

Port Tampa Bay is building a mentorship program for the maritime industry, looking for companies and schools willing to partner with them. The program is open to businesses in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties in Florida. It was initially promoted at the first annual Maritime Expo, where Port Tampa Bay and the Propeller Club – [...]

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) released the Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary featuring data through February 2026. On a rolling 12-month basis (March 2025–February 2026), new powerboat retail unit sales declined 8.8 percent year-over-year to 214,115 units. Freshwater fishing boats remained relatively flat year-over-year at 54,199 units sold. This type of boat is [...]

West Marine filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on May 17. The chain retailer of boat accessories and parts filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The bankruptcy filing will allow West Marine to implement transactions outlined in a new Restructuring Support Agreement (RSA), which it is entering with the support of the [...]