News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 15, 2006

U.S. Congress Calls on National Park Service to Complete Personal Watercraft Rulemakings; NPS Process 4+ Years Behind Schedule

Economist Testifies At Hearing, Estimates Impact Caused by Bans Over $2.7 Billion

Contact:
Kelly Alderson (202) 777-3542
Elinore Boeke (202) 737-9768

Laura Baughman: Written Testimony [PDF]

Fernando Garcia: Written Testimony [PDF]

John Hamer: Written Testimony [PDF]

Taylor-Goodrich Testimony [PDF]

Schneebeck Testimony [PDF]

WASHINGTON DC—The U.S. House of Representatives Government Reform Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs today demanded the National Park Service expedite the now long overdue process to review the use of personal watercraft in several National Parks.  At a hearing called by Representative Candice Miller (R-MI), Members of Congress learned that the National Park Service has repeatedly missed deadlines—in some cases by years—to complete the rulemaking process required to allow personal watercraft users back into the parks. In several national park units, personal watercraft—often known by the brand names, Sea-Dooâ, Jet Skiâ, WaveRunnerâ and AquaTraxâ—have been banned since 2002.  This is the second time in less than a year Congress has held an oversight hearing on this matter.     

Economist Laura Baughman, president of the Trade Partnership, testified at the hearing regarding an economic impact study her firm recently completed about the cost of the bans in national parks.

“The total hit to the American economy caused by these personal watercraft bans over the past decade is roughly $2.7 billion,” said Baughman.  “This economic harm will continue at a pace of more than $587 million each year as long as the bans continue.”  According to Baughman’s study, the economic harm is particularly pronounced in the communities near the National Parks that rely on tourism dollars to sustain the small businesses serving park visitors.

In March 2000, the Park Service established regulations that generally prohibited personal watercraft use (PWC) in most National Recreation Areas, Lakeshores and Seashores. For several years before the regulations took effect in 2000, the mere rumor of upcoming bans took a toll on the market.  The park service established a two-year grace period for a handful of parks. Each unit seeking to reopen the park to PWC use is required to complete a comprehensive scientific study of the impact on the local environment and economy and prepare a rule allowing continued PWC use.  To date, 15 units have completed an environmental assessment, all of which conclude that PWC use should be allowed.  Ten of these units have completed the rulemaking process and have welcomed PWC users back.  There are still six units that have not issued regulations for personal watercraft use.

“It is a shame that it takes an act of Congress to finish the rulemaking process, something we have been asking the National Park Service to do for years,” stated Maureen Healey, Executive Director of PWIA.  “These bans are unnecessary because the Park Service’s own scientific studies show personal watercraft should not be banned.” 

Fernando Garcia, Director of Regulatory & Public Affairs for BRP U.S. Inc., manufacturer of Sea-Dooâ, told Members of Congress while testifying that the personal watercraft industry is “not asking for special treatment -- only for a level playing field.”  He implored the Members to take action to “allow the environmental assessments and rulemakings to happen in a timely manner, and let sound science—not bias—decide.”

Advancements made to PWC technology have resulted in a 75 percent reduction in sound and up to 90 percent reduction in emissions since 1998.  All manufacturers offer models equipped with four-stroke engines, which account for the vast majority of sales today and are universally recognized as one of the most efficient engine types.  These enhancements have made today’s PWC some of the most environmentally friendly motorized vessels on the water. 

In addition to being environmentally-friendly, PWC have become an economic engine in several parts of the country.  John Hamer, owner of Motorsports of Miami, testified today at the hearing that the bans have a devastating impact on small business owners.  “When the ban at Biscayne National Park in Miami took effect, I lost 75 percent of my PWC business; we had to lay people off.”  He encouraged the subcommittee to walk away with one clear message, “personal watercraft have evolved into some of the cleanest and quietest motorized vessels on the water.  The National Park Service confirms this point with the environmental assessments performed to date.”

More than 1.4 million Americans enjoy boating on personal watercraft.  PWC can seat up to three people and are an affordable family boating option, with today’s typical PWC customer today being over 40 years old and married.  As the trade association representing personal watercraft manufacturers in the U.S., PWIA actively advocates for states to adopt reasonable regulations such as mandatory boating safety education for all PWC users, a minimum age requirement of 16 to operate PWC and daylight-only usage restrictions. PWIA’s mission is to ensure that personal watercraft and personal watercraft users are treated fairly when local, state and federal government officials consider boating regulations. More information on PWIA is available at www.pwia.org.

The following chart details the current status of the rulemaking process in the affected parks, national seashores, etc.