Assemblymember Brindisi: Field Test Would Open More Land for Snowmobiling

June 10, 2013

In an effort to increase the amount of land available to snowmobilers, Assemblymember Anthony J. Brindisi (D–Utica) announced a bill he sponsored has passed the Assembly which would create a new field test for noise emissions (A.2734-B).

“One way to open more land for snowmobiling trails is to enforce current noise emissions standards.” Assemblyman Brindisi said. “This legislation would help law enforcement do their jobs, open new areas for snowmobilers to explore and keep noise pollution to a minimum for the generous land owners who allow riders to enjoy their property.”

The vast majority of NY's 10,500-mile snowmobile trail system is located on private land, which is voluntarily offered by the owner for use as a snowmobile trail. Many landowners cite loud, illegal exhausts as the primary reason not to allow snowmobiling on their land, Assemblymember Brindisi noted.

Currently, there is no established field test for enforcement of noise emissions laws. This legislation would create a field test, which only takes one minute, so law enforcement can effectively enforce current noise emission standards. This legislation would not impose any new noise standard on any snowmobile, but rather would provide an alternative noise measuring technique.

“We applaud Assemblyman Brindisi for sponsoring this bill that sets standard and enforceable testing procedures to ensure that acceptable snowmobile exhaust noise emission levels are exhibited by all snowmobilers in New York State,” said James Elmore, President of the New York State Snowmobile Association. “In recent years, landowners have unfortunately closed trails due to illegal sled modifications, and we look forward to once again having all trails open with this piece of legislation.”

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