June 2004
House Vote Allows Snowmobiles in Yellowstone
In a blow to environmentalists and proponents of a quiet Yellowstone National Park, the U.S. House of Representatives rejected an attempt to ban snowmobiles from the park.
On June 18, the House voted 224-198 against the ban, originally spurred on by the Clinton administration. The Bush administration decided to allow snowmobiles to stay in the park.
Principal reasons for the ban on snowmobiles in Yellowstone are that they generate high levels of air and noise pollution, disrupt wildlife behavior, and disturb the winter experience for those seeking peace and solitude. Rangers also complain that snowmobiles race through the park at dangerous speeds, up to 85 miles an hour, almost double the allowable limit. Opponents of the snowmobile ban said concerns about the negative impact on the park's environment and wildlife could be taken care of by using cleaner, quieter snowmobiles and limiting the number of machines allowed in the park daily.
Stay tuned... .