[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 8, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H591]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
{time} 1220
GRAND CANYON AIR TOURISM
(Mr. QUAYLE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute.)
Mr. QUAYLE. Madam Speaker, a couple of weeks ago, the President was
in Florida and announced new tourism initiatives with a particular
focus on increasing visits to U.S. natural treasures. Unfortunately,
once again, his rhetoric doesn't match his actions.
For example, the National Park Service is currently considering new
regulations to be implemented by the FAA that would further restrict
air tours above the Grand Canyon National Park in an attempt to reduce
aviation noise. If implemented, these regulations would devastate the
Grand Canyon air tourism industry that is responsible for $104.3
million in economic activity. It would reduce the industry's employment
by 10 percent. Flight operations would go down 14.7 percent, and
passenger volume would drop nearly 12.8 percent.
The Grand Canyon is a national treasure to us all, but 70 percent of
the park is already off limits to flights, and the industry has already
invested millions in quiet technology. This is yet another example of
the administration's consistently inconsistent policies.
The administration must stop needless regulations that will destroy
jobs.
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