June 18-- The amendment to ban spending on snowmobile access to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks failed by a 198-224 vote last night.
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Rush Holt (D.-N.J.) reads "An amendment numbered 4 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to permit recreational snowmobile use in Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Pkwy., which connects the two parks," according to the record of House Proceedings from June 17. The legislation is similar to another amendment that failed last year in a 210-210 vote.
"Together we were successful in defeating the efforts of a fringe percentage of the American community who feels only they have the right to enjoy the outdoors and portray themselves as the only environmentalists," said Ed Klim, president of the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) in a press release.
We will be able to respectfully visit this wonderful National Park that was set aside for our enjoyment to use, to conserve and to cherish."
These amendments are tied to the legislation passed in 2000 intended to phase out the use of snowmobiles in national parks. The Bush Administration reversed that legislation when President Bush took office.
To see how your legislator voted, go to
http://clerk.house.gov.