(Washington, DC) - In a letter to Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, Rep. Gary L. Ackerman (D-Queens/L.I.) today called for continued adherence to federal restrictions on snowmobile use in Yellowstone National Park. While the federal government currently imposes curbs on the number and types of snowmobiles permitted to enter the park, a proposal was recently presented to the Department of the Interior that would allow increased snowmobile use in Yellowstone.  If approved, the proposal would undercut conversation efforts in the park, as well as detract from previously endorsed policies requiring the highest protection of air quality, visitor enjoyment of natural quiet, and other national park resources and values.

“The federal government spent $10 million on a study that verified conclusively that snowmobiles contribute dramatically to air and noise pollution, as well as disturb the wildlife in Yellowstone,” commented Ackerman.  “If Secretary Kempthorne allows this proposal to be enacted, he will be turning his back on his obligations as a steward of America's public spaces and environment, as well as the clear wishes of the American public.”

Earlier this year, seven of the eight living former directors of the National Park Service sent a letter to Secretary Kempthorne urging him to ensure a continued transition away from snowmobile use.  The Environmental Protection Agency has also independently corroborated that phasing out the use of snowmobiles will provide Yellowstone’s visitors, employees and wildlife with dramatically healthier conditions.

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