Wellington repeals electric‑only rule for Lake Wellington after state law; residents urge enforcement

Wellington Village Council voted unanimously on Aug. 12 to amend Chapter 24 (Waterways) of the village code to remove local restrictions based on a vessel’s energy source and to retain no‑wake limits and other activity controls. Council members said the change responds to a new state law that preempts local bans on gasoline‑powered watercraft.

The council’s action implements state Senate Bill 1388, the Watercraft Energy Source Freedom Act, which staff said preempts local ordinances that would ban or discriminate against boats based on whether they run on electric or fossil fuels. The measure was adopted after a public hearing and discussion dominated by Lake Wellington residents concerned about noise, erosion and water pollution.

Why it matters The state law prevents municipalities from enforcing electric‑only requirements on waterbodies. Residents told council they oppose gasoline motors on Lake…