Natural Trails & Waters Coaliton Press Release
January 18, 2002

Washington, DC -Thirteen thousand Americans have sent a clear message to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that more must be done to reduce air pollution from dirt bikes, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). This message arrives as EPA closes the comment period today on its proposed rule setting emission standards for these vehicles and certain industrial equipment.

Dr. Russell Long, Executive Director of Bluewater Network stated, "For people who care about keeping our trails and waterways clean and quiet, these regulations are really disappointing. The EPA can do a lot more to reduce pollution from snowmobiles, boats, and off-road vehicles -- in fact, the law requires it."

"This Administration consistently maintains that it wants to involve the American people more fully in decision making," said Scott Kovarovics, Director of the Natural Trails and Waters Coalition. "Now it"s time to match actions to words. Thousands of citizens nationwide are calling on the EPA to do more to protect air quality and public health by setting stronger standards to reduce air pollution from off-road vehicles. They will be watching to see if EPA listens or turns a deaf ear as it moves to finalize this rule."

The comments respond to a proposed rule issued on September 14, 2001. The proposal would require very modest reductions in air pollution from off-road vehicles despite the fact that greater reductions could be achieved in a cost-effective manner with technology that is readily available today - including four-stroke engines and advanced pollution control equipment such as catalytic converters.

The standards for snowmobiles are particularly weak - so weak that they will allow the continued large-scale production and sale of two-stroke snowmobiles at least through the end of the decade.

Conservation, clean air and public health advocates have clearly outlined how the EPA could dramatically reduce pollution and protect public health by:

• setting a health-protective performance standard that will result in the rapid phase-out of two-stroke engines and promote use of readily-available four-stroke technology;
  
  
• including a multi-tiered labeling system that would help consumers distinguish between machines based on air emissions;
  
  
• phasing in air pollution reductions quickly using readily-available and cost-effective technology; and
  
  
• reducing noise pollution.

The EPA must issue a final rule by September 15, 2002.

The estimate of the number of comments comes from a wide range of conservation, public health and clean air groups. Forty-four organizations and individuals signed onto the letter submitted to the EPA.

Read NTWC's comments submitted to the EPA

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