A federal judge strongly rebuked the Bush administration on Dec. 16 for rescinding a Clinton-era plan to phase out snowmobile use in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan called the administration’s action “completely politically driven and result oriented” -- pointing out that it ran counter to scientific evidence -- and reinstated the phase-out just hours before the start of the snowmobile season. Sullivan noted one study that found Yellowstone at times had carbon monoxide levels as high as Los Angeles. The phase-out, which was supported by a 99-1 margin in public comments to the National Park Service, requires a 50 percent reduction in snowmobiles this winter -- allowing for 490 snowmobiles per day in Yellowstone and 50 per day in Grand Teton -- and a total ban for the 2004-05 season. The Bush administration had sought to allow nearly 1,000 snowmobiles per day in Yellowstone. The administration contended that new standards for cleaner and quieter engines would negate the vehicles’ adverse health and environmental impacts. However, Sullivan cited scientific analysis by the National Park Service that concluded there would still be significant harm to the health of park wildlife, visitors, and employees. Compared to an outright snowmobile ban, the Bush plan would have allowed twice as much carbon monoxide pollution and five times the nitrogen oxide emissions. “Our duty is to take care of our national parks as fully as possible so that we pass them in good health to our grandchildren,” said Denis Galvin, who served as deputy director of the Park Service under Presidents Reagan and Clinton and during the first year of the current Bush administration. “Had we let that principle slip in Yellowstone to the benefit of the snowmobile industry, it would have set a terrible precedent in all our national parks.” A week after his ruling, Sullivan denied a request by the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association and the State of Wyoming to stay implementation of the phase-out.