Snowmobile ban in national parks overturned

[montana500]

Snowmobile ban in national parks overturned
New rules could allow machines use in Yellowstone, Grand Tetons

Nati Harnik / AP file
Snowmobilers pause to watch passing bison near Norris Junction inside Yellowstone National Park in 2002.
The Associated Press
Updated: 12:38 p.m. ET Oct. 15, 2004CHEYENNE, Wyo. - A federal judge on Friday struck down a ban on snowmobiles in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, calling it a "prejudged, political" move.



The decision could clear the way for new rules that allow the machines.

U.S. District Judge Clarence Brimmer ruled that the Clinton-era ban was invalid because it did not involve adequate public participation and failed to follow federal law.

The rule was "the product of a prejudged, political decision to ban snowmobiles from all the national parks," Brimmer wrote in an opinion.

The National Park Service is expected to issue a new rule governing snowmobile use next month in time for the coming winter season.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6254919/


The ban, adopted during the Clinton administration and set to take effect last winter, was set aside in early 2003 by the park service to settle a lawsuit filed by snowmobile makers. Under the agreement, new rules were drafted to allow a limited number of snowmobiles inside the parks.

Attorneys for snowmobile manufacturers, winter resorts and other tourism-related ventures asked a federal judge last month to permanently lift the ban so businesses could have peace of mind about their survival.

[whistle]

1. Got to protect that tourism income on federal lands.....

....is that the influence from the Marriott Corporation lobby?

[TexasSissy]

2. I reallllly hate to hear this. Fed. judges are apptd., aren't they?

[montana500]

4. whats hilarious is that

the clinton plan had 4 comment periods and set a record.

[montana500]

5. whats hilarious is that

the clinton plan had 4 comment periods and set a record.

[Kolesar]

3. There was a huge amount of public input opposing the snowmobiles

Prejudiced and political decision?

[depakid]

6. I haven't read the decision but in general

it's difficult to legally overturn an administrative rule, so long as there's some evidence to support it and the Administratice Procedures Act has been followed. Of course, Republicans care NOTHING for law and procedure, so this is probably just another instance of ight wing projection, i.e. the Court itself is the one making a prejudiced and political decision.

[Kolesar]

7. understood ... eom