Thomas saves upcoming winter-use season, makes lawsuits moot
November 20th, 2004 - WASHINGTON – A bold move by Sen. Craig Thomas (R-Wyo.) during the final days of the 108th Congress is a huge win for visitor access, vendors, and Wyoming’s national parks.
Thomas, Chairman of the National Parks Subcommittee, inserted language cementing the interim winter use rules for the 2004-2005 season which begins in just a few short weeks.
The winter use regulations announced earlier this month were met with lawsuits from several groups, but Thomas ended those litigious efforts today.
“We needed to provide certainty for visitors and those providing services in our parks,” Thomas said. “My efforts brought about that certainty and stopped the flow of lawsuits this year which deny the visitors any confidence about whether they can access our national parks this winter.”
Thomas’ efforts will make the interim rules federal law for the 2004-2005 season. The rules apply to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks and Rockefeller Parkway.
“I think most folks are tired of a DC court deciding how we do things in Wyoming. I’m glad I could provide some certainty for these folks,” Thomas said. “I plan to keep a common sense approach to access in the parks which will be fair to everyone involved.”
Thomas worked closely with Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) to insert the language in the Omnibus Appropriations Act. The omnibus package passed the Senate late Saturday evening 65-30.
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