[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 87 (Tuesday, June 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1205-E1206]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 
                                  2005

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 17, 2004

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     Union has under consideration the bill. (H.R. 4568) making 
     appropriations for the Department of the Interior and related 
     agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, and 
     for other purposes.

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment offered 
by my friend and colleague, Congressman Rush Holt.
  Yellowstone National Park is the flagship of the National Park 
Service and is a favorite to millions of visitors each year. Since the 
first explorers began documenting their discoveries to modern day, the 
features of Yellowstone National Park have virtually remained the same. 
The scenic beauty, the thermal features, the volcanic mysteries, the 
free roaming wildlife are all a throwback to bygone days that continues 
to captivate the hearts and minds to all who are fortunate enough to 
witness them.
  Mr. Chairman, this wonderful experience should remain available to 
those who responsibly use a snowmobile to enjoy all that Yellowstone 
has to offer.
  Snowmobiling is a very important recreational activity for many 
Wisconsin families each winter. In fact, there are over 210,000 
registered snowmobiles in my state, and I am concerned this amendment 
would unnecessarily curtail a popular method of enjoying Yellowstone 
and negatively impact on the industries snowmobiling supports.

[[Page E1206]]

  The manufacturers of snowmobiles have successfully labored to build 
quieter, cleaner machines. The four-stroke engines found in new 
generation snowmobiles emit far less hydrocarbons and carbon monoxides 
than the older, two-stroke models. In addition, they operate at a 
decibel level that is quieter than many vacuum cleaners.
  The sixty-five thousand snowmobiles that enter the parks each winter 
on a limited road system is part of a new Winter-Use Plan that allows 
all Americans to enjoy the majestic beauty of Yellowstone, while still 
preserving the health of the Park and the wildlife that live there. In 
fact, the environmental impact of these machines on this national 
treasure is likely far less than that of the nearly two million cars 
and trucks that enter in the summer months.
  Mr. Chairman, responsible snowmobiling has its place in the American 
outdoors, especially in national forests designed for multiple-use. I 
urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.

                          ____________________