Congressional legislation could delay Grand Canyon noise plan

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - The National Park Service had been close to finalizing rules to manage air tours and noise at the Grand Canyon.

But that plan could be further delayed with legislation recently approved in Congress that forces the agency to change its goal for restoring natural quiet to the park.

The Park Service had wanted to make 67 percent of the canyon quiet for three-fourths of the day or longer.

But some members of Congress called that plan deeply flawed and pushed a provision in the massive federal transportation bill to make half of the park free from commercial air tour noise for at least 75 percent of the day. Many of the tours originate from Las Vegas.

The Interior Department, which oversees the Park Service, says it's reviewing the legislation to see how it impacts its planning process.