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In late 2000, following years of study, the National Park Service, then under the Clinton administration, moved to ban snowmobiles in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. But in 2002, with the Bush administration in office, the Park Service reversed course and sought to overturn the ban, citing promises from snowmobile manufacturers that they would produce quieter, less polluting models.
The Park Service's studies -- including one completed just weeks ago -- show that unless snowmobiles are barred they will continue to pose a health risk to visitors and staff, cause harm to wildlife, and mar visitors' experience with noise and spoiled views. But in lieu of an all-out ban, the agency is proposing just a few inadequate restrictions. A central part of the proposal is a program to certify that snowmobiles for use in the parks meet pollution and noise standards. But even though it turns out that some 2004 models don't live up to manufacturers' claims -- they produce between 40 percent and 213 percent more pollution than in 2002 -- and don't meet the new standards, the Park Service is nevertheless certifying them for use this winter. The Park Service plan won't solve the problems caused by snowmobiles. A ban will.
» TELL the National Park Service to ban snowmobiles in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.
The Park Service's studies -- including one completed just weeks ago -- show that unless snowmobiles are barred they will continue to pose a health risk to visitors and staff, cause harm to wildlife, and mar visitors' experience with noise and spoiled views. But in lieu of an all-out ban, the agency is proposing just a few inadequate restrictions. A central part of the proposal is a program to certify that snowmobiles for use in the parks meet pollution and noise standards. But even though it turns out that some 2004 models don't live up to manufacturers' claims -- they produce between 40 percent and 213 percent more pollution than in 2002 -- and don't meet the new standards, the Park Service is nevertheless certifying them for use this winter. The Park Service plan won't solve the problems caused by snowmobiles. A ban will.
» TELL the National Park Service to ban snowmobiles in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.