Blagojevich Uses Veto Pen To Protect State Parks
Sierra Club Applauds Move To Protect Parks From Dirtbikes & ATVs
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich today exercised his amendatory veto authority to propose changes in two bills passed by the Illinois General Assembly that would have opened the door for all-terrain vehicle trails through Illinois state parks, and limit the state's authority to police illegal use of ATVs.
"Our state parks are places for quiet recreation and wildlife - not dangerous playgrounds for dirtbikes and all-terrain vehicles. We applaud Governor Blagojevich for using his veto pen to protect our parks and those who use them from the noise and damage that can be done by off-road vehicles roaring through our woods and prairies," said Jack Darin, Director of the Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter.
Senate Bill 1804 would have allowed state funds to be used to build tracks for dirtbikes and four-wheelers in existing state parks. Blagojevich today vetoed this dangerous proposal, and instead proposed that funds could be used only for new, special all-terrain vehicle facilities outside the current park system, in special "recreation areas".
Senate Bill 1521 would have limited the funds available to the state government to enforce existing laws against unsafe offroad vehicle use. Blagojevich today proposed allowing up to 30% of the funds in the Off-Highway Vehicle Trails Fund to be spent on enforcement of safety laws as well as administration of the Trails program. As approved by the General Assembly, SB 1521 would have limited spending on enforcement, safety, and administration to 15% annually.
Illegal use of off-road vehicles has caused major damage to many areas in Illinois, including Cahokia Mounds historic site, pristine areas of the Shawnee National Forest, Illinois Nature Preserves, and others.
"Governor Blagojevich's proposals will help keep our state parks safe, beautiful, and quiet places for family recreation and for wildlife. We hope state legislators will support these changes, and protect our parks," said Darin.
Threat of Veto Over-ride in November: Member Action Needed NOW!
Even though the Governor did the right thing by changing SB 1804 and 1521 for the better through his amendatory veto powers, ATV riders and commercial dealers are likely to push Illinois House Representatives and Senators very hard to over-ride the Governor's veto during the November veto session in Springfield.
That why Sierra Club members need to counter the ATV crowd and lobby their Illinois representatives to support the Governor's vetoes!
Write or call your Illinois State Representative and Senator TODAY and ask them TO SUPPORT GOV. BLAGOJEVICH'S AMENDATORY VETOES ON SB 1804 AND 1521.
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