However, outside groups such as Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, have criticized the NPS and FAA for avoiding environmental reviews called for by NEPA in designing the management plans. According to PEER, the agencies are claiming “categorical exclusions” — claims that air tours won’t have a significant impact on either the visitor experience or natural and cultural resources of a park — for bypassing the entire NEPA process.
It was 20 years ago that the National Park Air Tour Management Act of 2000 was implemented and required the FAA, in coordination with the NPS, to set limits on overflight numbers, timing, and routes to protect park resources and the visitor experience from noise and disruption in any park with more than 50 overflights a year.