It looks like Idaho lawmakers are on the verge of passing a tax leveled at motorized and non-motorized boaters.

Motorized and non-motorized boaters are the only targeted groups for this tax. This potential problem and its costs are so much larger, and will affect every Idahoan.

The science is very clear and unanimous that the #1 threat risk is from motorized boats, via mussels attaching to their hard hulls and transported in bilges and pumps. Non-motorized boats are recognized to hold a much lower threat. However, conspicuously absent in this bill is recognition of other potential sources of contamination, some quite a bit more likely than non-motorized boats. For example:

— Fishermen: felt soled waders, float tubes, and small fishing pontoon boats pose a very real and recognized threat, yet they are virtually eliminated by this bill through the exemption of inflatable boats less than 10'.

—Water tankers: much attention has been made about Electric Lake in Utah being contaminated and "just across the border." But did you know the current theory is that it was infected by a tanker truck used for drilling?

—Tourists with inflatable pool toys; aquarium owners.

—Float planes.

—Ocean going vessels at the Port of Lewiston: Quagga and Zebra mussels were first introduced to North America via ocean going vessels in the Great Lakes.

—Its even theorized that migratory waterfowl can transport mussels, although this is debated.

There are no specifics on how this "tax" would be used to prevent migration of invasive species via non-motorized or other vessels. In essence, it's a tax waiting on a clear direction on how to be spent. It offers no clarification, direction or oversight regarding how, where and when these funds would be spent.

It's projected that administration of this bill will cost at least $65,000 per year. Who is going to enforce it?

This is a tax grab pure and simple.