Rumors of snowmobile ban's demise are greatly exaggerated Public hearings should not be mere speed bumps on the way to rulemaking. Worse, I don't like writing about snowmobiles in August.
Snowmobiles are noisy, antiquated machines that are no longer welcome in our national parks.
These orders, signed by Presidents Nixon and Carter, had closed all federally owned public lands to off-road vehicles except where specifically authorized. Furthermore, where activities like snowmobiling were permitted, they were supposed to be actively monitored to ensure that the machines weren't hurting soil, vegetation, wildlife, habitat or cultural and historical resources. With the coalition of environmental groups pressuring park service officials, the Interior Department moved quickly to begin enforcing the Nixon and Carter rules. But snowmobile groups and the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association cried foul. They argued that before the park service could change the regulations, they would be required to solicit public comment, hold hearings and follow standard rulemaking procedures.