Politics Threaten Canyon Quiet
In June, Arizona congressmen Paul Gosar and Trent Franks joined Senator John McCain in signing a letter opposing the National Park Service’s “preferred alternative” to begin reducing noise from air tours over Grand Canyon National Park Draft EIS.
They argued that the NPS plan would harm the air tour industry and restrict access by commercial customers. Please see McCain Letter to NPS .
However, the proposed plan would allow 8,000 more flights each year (above the current level) and 25,000 more than occurred in the 1980s when Congress determined that air tour noise was harming Canyon. Please see GCT, NPCA, TWS Overflights DEIS comments.
Nonetheless, Congressman Franks and Gosar attempted to cut funding for NPS to implement its proposal. See Franks Overflights Bill.
The Arizona Republic editorialized “If you think the sweetest sound at the Grand Canyon is the buzz of aircraft motor, not nature, then Arizona Congressmen Paul Gosar and Trent Franks are on your side.” Click here to read the editorial.
Fortunately, Frank’s and Gosar’s rider have been dropped from the appropriations bill for the time being.
Political cartoonist Steve Benson nicely portrays political threats to the Grand Canyon when Congress reconvenes in September. See image #4 here.
Click here to view a video on Grand Canyon quiet by Jim McCarthy
