News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Court Places Added Burden On National Parks:
District Court Dismisses Personal Watercraft Suit:
Parks will Remain Open at Least Until September 2002 Industry Disappointed, But
Confident Of Scrutiny

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kristin Young 202-775-1401

WASHINGTON, DC - Thursday, a federal judge denied a request by the Personal Watercraft Industry Association and the American Watercraft Association to weigh in on a settlement between an anti-access group and the National Parks Service regarding personal watercraft use in our National Parks. However, the ruling will allow parks to remain open to personal watercraft at a minimum through September 2002.

"It's disappointing the District Court is placing this burden on the National Parks without considering the facts about personal watercraft," said Monita Fontaine, executive director of the Personal Watercraft Industry Association. "The personal watercraft industry has invested in technology, making our boats 75% cleaner and 70% quieter in just the last three years. We will pass these tests with flying colors. But in denying the personal watercraft voice in the settlement, the judge is adding a significant burden to the Park Superintendents when it is not truly necessary."

The National Park Service settlement with Bluewater Network was reached in December 2000, immediately before the new Administration took office and without any comment from personal watercraft users. Many parks have already undertaken the steps necessary to allow personal watercraft use. However, Thursday's ruling will ensure that parks remain open to personal watercraft at least through September 2002 and that there will be a fair and uniform process to assess environmental impact.

"We intend to participate fully in the special regulation process in all 21 parks. We are confident that science is on our side," she added. "In fact, personal watercraft meet 2006 EPA clean air standards today – five years early. It took the automobile manufacturers decades to meet the same kinds of standards. And because personal watercraft have no propellers, they do not harm sensitive marine life. These are ideal boats for our national parks. That this anti-access group has targeted personal watercraft is wrong."

For more information on the settlement or the ruling, contact Kristin Young at kristin.young@dittus.com or call at (202) 775-1401.