U.S. Department of the Interior
Office of the Secretary

DOI: John Wright (202)208-6416 DOT: Bill Mosley 202/366-5571


For Release: July 26, 1996

"Aircraft flying at low altitudes over national parks can, if not properly managed, mar the natural beauty of the parks and create significant noise problems as well." President Clinton Earth Day, April 22, 1996

Secretary of Transportation Federico Pe�a in consultation with Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt today announced a notice of proposed rulemaking designed to reduce noise from aircraft used for sightseeing tours over Grand Canyon National Park. The proposed rule will be issued by the Department of Transportation today and published in the Federal Register next week.

"This proposal makes good on the President's promise to restore natural quiet to the Grand Canyon while still permitting sightseeing access," Pe�a said. "The proposed rule, if implemented, will ensure both aviation safety and an unforgettable visitor experience."

"When the final rule is fully implemented, visitors will be able to experience the immense quiet that Major John Wesley Powell and his expedition found when they encountered the Grand Canyon over a hundred years ago," said Babbitt. "As a boy growing up in Flagstaff, Arizona, the Grand Canyon was my backyard. I believe most Americans, regardless of where they grew up, consider the Grand Canyon a unique treasure that belongs to all of us and should be protected. This proposed rule is a great first step toward resolving this important issue."

The rule proposes to expand and create new flight-free zones over the park. Compared to an existing 45 percent in such zones, it would increase flight-free areas to 87 percent of the park. In addition, commercial sightseeing flights would be prohibited from operation during the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. during the summer season, and 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. during the winter season.

The proposed rule seeks public comments on a range of options for establishing a framework to restore natural quiet to the park, including various ways of capping existing sightseeing operations and limiting the number of aircraft operating in the park at various times of day.

The rule specifically proposes to a two-year interim cap on the number of flights at the level established during the period August 1, 1995, through July 31, 1996, so that flights will not increase while a comprehensive noise management plan is being developed. Public comment also is sought on whether to extend the freeze or cap on new flights to five years or more, on how to structure it, and on what alternatives should be considered.

The proposed rule is the first step in implementing a commitment made by President Clinton on Earth Day, to reduce noise of sightseeing aircrafts flying over one of the nations most precious national parks.

"Secretary Pe�a has done a remarkable job on this proposed rulemaking," said Babbitt. "This rulemaking will serve the goals of protecting national treasures like the Grand Canyon while making reasonable accommodation elsewhere for legitimate competing interests. "

The public review and comment period will be open for 60 days. Copies of the proposed rule can be obtained by submitting a request to the Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, D.C. 20591, or by calling (202)267-9677.

-DOI-