cat gets bat certification

AmSnow has learned that Arctic Cat's 2005 T660 Touring sled was awarded a certification October 12 for having met the controversial Best Available Technology, or B.A.T., standards set by the National Parks Service. Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior Gale Norton gave Arctic Cat the award at its headquarters in Thief River Falls, Minn.

This purring turbo 4-stroke successfully cleared the noise and pollution hurdles the Environmental Protection Agency slapped the snowmobile industry with two years ago, making the sled one of the ones that will be allowed in Yellowstone National Park this winter if current legislation is finalized. Arctic Cat's CEO Christopher A. Twomey boasted, "Today, our 4-stroke engine already exceeds the EPA's 2012 emissions standards."

Like other manufacturers, several Arctic Cat sleds have consistently been approved for use in Yellowst one in compliance with the difficult new restrictions. Arctic Cat's 2004 T660 Touring, 2003 4-Stroke Trail and Touring, as well as the 2002 4-Stroke Trail and Touring sleds have all also been B.A.T. certified.

In order for any sled to be fired up in Yellowstone, emissions have to be lowered by 90%, CO emissions brought down 70%, and sound levels, at full throttle, can be no more than 73 decibels. Also, sled visitors are mandated to ride with a guide, stay on roads and closely follow speed limits.