[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 108 (Thursday, September 14, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S8591]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. THOMAS:
  S. 3053. A bill to prohibit commercial air tour operations over 
national parks within the geographical area of the greater Yellowstone 
ecosystem; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.


   The Yellowstone and Teton Scenic Overflight Exclusion Act of 2000

  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation to 
protect two crown jewels of the National Park Service, Yellowstone and 
Grand Teton National Parks.
  Specifically, the ``Yellowstone and Teton Scenic Overflight Exclusion 
Act of 2000'' would prohibit all scenic flights--both fixed wing and 
helicopter--over these two parks. A recent proposal for scenic 
helicopter tours near Grand Teton Park has many in this area of Wyoming 
concerned about the tranquility of Yellowstone and Teton parks. In 
fact, the proposal has evoked strong opposition by citizens in the area 
and over 4,500 people have signed a petition in support of banning 
these tours.
  We need to protect the resources and values of these parks in the 
interest of all who visit and enjoy these national treasures--today and 
for future generations. Every visitor should have the opportunity to 
enjoy the tranquil sounds of nature unimpaired in these parks.
  I don't take the idea of legislation lightly. I am aware that the 
recently passed National Parks Air Tour management Act provides a 
process that attempts to address scenic overflight operations. But this 
area of the country is unique and therefore requires quick and decisive 
action. For example, the proposed commercial air tour operations 
originate from the Jackson Hole Airport, the only airport in the 
continental United States that is entirely within a national park. 
Consequently, every time a commercial air tour operation takes off or 
lands, it is flying through Grand Teton National Park. Further, 
commercial air tour operations by their nature fly passengers 
purposefully over the parks, at low altitudes, at frequent intervals 
and often to the very locations and attractions favored by ground-based 
visitors. These threats to the enjoyment of these two parks require 
banning commercial air tour operations in the area.
  It is my hope that this legislation can be enacted quickly to ensure 
the preservation of natural quiet and provide the assurance that 
visitors can enjoy the sounds of nature at Grand Teton and Yellowstone 
national parks.
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