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ISMA joins suit over snowmobile emissions

The International Snowmobile Manufacturer’s Association (ISMA), Haslett, Mich., has filed a suit with the U.S. Court of Appeals. The suit is in response to action filed agaust the U.S. Environmental Protection Agence (EPA) by EarthJustice, which claims the emissions goals for snowmobiles are not stringent enough.
The EPA standards were announced last year and call for a reduction of emissions to 30% of 2002 levels by 2012.
Ed Klim, president of ISMA, said the counter suit will allow the snowmobile manufacturers a voice in the proceedings. “We’ve worked too hard to let some fringe group undo all the good that’s been accomplished over the past few years,” said Klim in a statement.
“We need to be a part of these proceedings to ensure any emission reduction plan will continue to be based on scientific facts, not on unsubstantiated guesses about future snowmobile designs.”
BAT Machines Approved by NPS
Ten snowmobiles from two manufacturers have been approved by the National Park Service for use in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks under the new best-available technology (BAT) standards.
All machines entering the parks as a part of commercially guided tours must use BAT machines. These machines include Arctic Cat’s 2002 4-Stroke Touring and Trail; the 2003 4-Stroke Touring and Trail; and the 2004 T660 Touring.
Approved Polaris machines include: the 2002 Frontier Touring; the 2003 Frontier Classic and Touring with a Polaris Acoustic Resonace Control (PARC)kit; and 2004 Frontier Classic and Touring with the PARC kit.
The PARC kit lowers sound levels by controlling the maximim throttle body opening. According to the parkl service, these machines reduce hydrocarbons by 90%; and reduce carbon monoxide emissions by 70% over a standard two-stroke. The Ski-Doo V-1000 is currently undergoing standards testing, said Steve Cowing, spokesman for Ski-Doo.
Ortovox Sales Increase
Avalanche saftey equipment maker Ortovox USA, based in Hopkinton, N.H., has reported a, 11% sales increase for fiscal 2003. The company attributes its sales increase to the introduction of a new tracsceiver, the X1, as well as increased sales of probes, shovels and the M2 transceiver.
“Looking at the surge in telemark skiing and snowmobiling, along with the enthusiasm more skiers, snowmobilers and snowboarders are showing to go beyond the boundaries, we only see growth on the horizon,” said Marcus Peterson, general manager of Ortovox USA.
X Games Dates Change
The dates of the ESPN Winter X Games will change to allow for live broadcast of certain events. The event, originally scheduled for Jan. 22–25 will now take place from Jan. 24–27. The event, which features snocross and hillcross racing, will take place in Aspen, Colo. Also, for the first time, the Winter X Games will have races take place in the evening under lights, which will also allow for live telecasts.
Yamaha Partners With DC Shoes
Yamaha’s snowmobile division has partnered with DC Shoes Inc. of Vista, Calif., to make custom snowmobiles for snowboarders. The snowmobiles — dubbed Shred Sleds — are modified Yamaha SXViper Mountain machines, which were altered under the guidance of DC Shoes.
Each of the five modified machines has approximately $5,000 worth of modifications, including triple pipes with aluminum ceramic coating; a new clutch kit; cylinder heads with more compression; a 156-inch track; a transfer enhancement kit that reduces weight and transfers more weight to the rear shock for extra lift; Simmons skis; taller handlebars; a new cooling kit; a snowboard rack; and custom-installed avalanche survival gear.
Four of the machines will be stored near Salt Lake City, Utah, for use by the DC Shoes snowboard team.
One machine will be given away in a contest sponsored by DC Shoes, Yamaha and Transworld Snowboarding magazine.
DC Shoes, makes athletic shoes for a variety of extreme sports.

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