Lois Norrgard
A bill has been introduced to increase the weight limit for ATVs from under 2000 lbs presently to 3000 lbs. Here’s why we should be concerned:
If passed, the bill will allow fossil fuel-powered ATVs heavier than a 2022 Toyota Corolla (weighing in at 2955 pounds[1]) and larger on public lands and trails.
Minnesota’s largest contributor to the climate crisis is transportation. Off-road vehicles contribute four percent of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions[2] and the proportion contribution is growing. Additionally, the use of off-road vehicles is often discretionary and recreational. The Governor’s Climate Action Framework calls for reduced fossil fuel-based transportation, improving carbon capture, and restoring the quality of public lands to address both the climate and biodiversity crises.
The weight increase has been proposed by Polaris who suggest it is needed for electric vehicles[3] and for consumers who want enclosed cabs with air conditioning, heat, and protection from dust. But consumers already have this option—ATVs currently exist that weigh 1730 pounds. In addition, E-ATVs have more power, torque and force factors for distributing soil. Adding even more weight would cause even more damage. The reduction in greenhouse gasses by switching to E-ATVs is a positive, but adding more weight that riders don’t need would put increased pressure on our state public lands.
Trail maintenance is already an issue. The MN DNR states a $177M trail maintenance backlog[5] and ATV riders themselves state, “Maintenance is a big issue. Especially with the big new machines. They have so much power they can really tear up a trail if people aren’t careful”.[6]
Public comments to the 2022 Star Tribune article regarding bigger and heavier ATVs overwhelmingly opposed the increase.[7] In the same article, MN DNR staff expressed concerns as the current trails may not withstand heavier vehicles.
The Wisconsin DNR opposed a weight increase out of safety concerns for smaller vehicle users, increased trail maintenance, shortened trail life and the need to re-engineer the trails more like roads.[8] The Wisconsin County Forests Association also opposed the increase stating, “We feel the decision of adjusting ATV/UTV weight limits should not be driven by what machine manufacturers want but by what is best for the resource and by the dedicated professionals who care for it." Any increase in the weight limits must be matched with a sufficient increase in trail maintenance and law enforcement funding.”[9]
How you can help:
Please contact your elected representatives and tell them we don’t need heavier ATVs on our public lands. https://www.gis.lcc.mn.gov/iMaps/districts/
[1] 2022 Toyota Corolla Specs, Edmunds.com, https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/corolla/2022/features-specs/
[2] Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Greenhouse gas emissions data, https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/mpca.data.services/viz/GHGemissioninventory/GHGsummarystory, 2020.
[3] Electrification of vehicles alone will not solve the climate crisis. In Minnesota, forty-six percent of in-state electrification came from coal and natural gas with 24% from nuclear power. Minnesota Profile Analysis, U.S. Energy Information Administration, https://www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=MN#:~:text=In%202021%2C%20renewables%20accounted%20for,and%20natural%20gas%20contributed%2021%25, 2021.
[5] MN DNR, Ten-year capital asset need, p15, 2019, https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/aboutdnr/legislativeinfo/policy-budget-factsheets/2019/10yr-cap-asset-plan2019.pdf
[6] New Prospector ATV spur joins growing Northland trail network, Duluth News Tribune, Jul 5, 2020, https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/sports/new-prospector-atv-spur-joins-growing-northland-trail-network
[7] Minneapolis Star Tribune, Minnesota lawmakers consider allowing bigger, heavier ATVs: A proposed law would allow ATVs to be as heavy as some sedans, May 7 2022, https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-lawmakers-consider-allowing-bigger-heavier-atvs/600171377/
[8] Wisconsin assembly, hearing testimony AB-265, June 8 2021, https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/misc/lc/hearing_testimony_and_materials/2021/ab265/ab0265_2021_06_08.pdf
[9] Ibid.