DULUTH, MN - Minnesotans for Responsible Recreation has completed a literature review of the global warming effects of motorized recreation and has made recommendations. The study was conducted by MRR's Global Warming Study Group of highly credentialed Technical Consultants, Karen Updegraff, Ph.D, Natural Resource Management and Policy and John Bankson, Master of Library Science and Tina Schilawski, B.S., University of Minnesota Duluth Masters in Advocacy and Political Leadership program Intern, The project was funded by The Wilderness Society.
Abstract: Literature review finds that off-road vehicles emit significant amounts of toxic greenhouse gases - ~33% of carbon monoxide output in Maine. Regulation of on-road vehicle emissions has been offset by increase in off-road vehicles.
Despite a 2007 Minnesota law to reduce greenhouse gas emissions the state lacks data regarding snowmobiles, ATVs, dirt-bike motorcycles, four-wheel drive trucks and motorboats. Recommended study should also investigate how Minnesota’s gas tax promotion of motorized recreation contributes to global warming. Reducing the number of off-road vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is indicated.
Above recommendations are included in a MRR 2008 Minnesota House of Representative Candidate Survey that asks candidates to respond to five MRR policy initiatives .
Global Warming Effects of Motorized Recreation: A Literature Review, MRR, Sept., 2008.
