Lieberman Warns Against Administration "Snow Job" on Yellowstone Park Pollution
Says action is latest instance of environmental regulatory rollbacks

November 12, 2002

WASHINGTON - Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT) today decried the Bush Administration's decision to postpone a federal rule phasing out the use of snowmobiles in Yellowstone National Park, and warned against an Administration proposal that could allow more than 1,000 snowmobiles in the park every day, further harming the park's pristine natural environment. 

"The Bush Administration is launching a real 'snow job' on the American people, by stopping in its tracks a scientifically sound plan and proposing instead to allow more than 1,000 high-emissions snowmobiles in the park every day," Lieberman said.  "Snowmobiles shouldn't overrun the park, rangers shouldn't have to wear gas masks to breathe clean air, and visitors to Old Faithful shouldn't have to contend with roaring engines and choking exhaust."

Lieberman said the Administration's actions appear to be the latest in a long line of regulatory rollbacks that have undermined important environmental protections. A recent majority staff report by the Governmental Affairs Committee that Lieberman chairs concluded that the Bush administration, in reviewing previously approved environmental

regulations after it came into office in 2001, exhibited "a pre-determined hostility" toward the regulations, discounting proper regulatory procedure and the value of public participation.

"This is just the newest chapter in a tragic epic novel," Lieberman said.  "It's the story of how the Bush Administration is undermining vital environmental and public health protections every chance they get."