SACRAMENTO - The Grand Canyon Visibility Transport Commission will hold public hearings in California during April to consider proposed strategies to improve visibility in western national parks.

        The commission's public hearings will be held in California, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming and Washington DC to review seven areas for managing emissions that hurt visibility in national parks. The commission will review emission management proposals for controlled fires, motor vehicles, industrial facilities and emissions from Mexico. In addition, the commission will be seeking comments on the concerns of tribal nations which they represent, additional monitoring sites and the future role of the commission.

        The California hearings are scheduled for April 9 in Los Angeles at the Los Angeles Water and Power Bldg., 111 N. Hope St., Cafeteria Conference Ctr., A Level at 5 pm, and April 10 in Sacramento at the California Air Resources Board, 2020 "L" Street., Lower Level Hearing Rm at 5 pm.

        John Dunlap, California Air Resources Chairman and Grand Canyon Commissioner said, "We are pleased to be a part of this process to bring improved visibility to the nation's most magnificent parks and recreation centers.

        "As the nation's most advanced state air pollution agency, we believe we can play a key role in preserving these national treasures," Dunlap added.

        The commission, headed by Arizona Governor Fife Symington, is seeking comments on its proposed strategies for improving visibility in 16 national parks and wilderness areas located on the Colorado Plateau. Those regions include the Grand Canyons, Mesa Verde and Zion national parks and wilderness areas such as Sycamore Canyon and Maroon Bells.

        This is the third round of hearings to improve visibility on the Colorado Plateau. During the past three years the advisory committee has been developing criteria and strategies for visibility improvement. The past two rounds of hearings were held to gather comments on those phases of the process.

        The commission's draft proposals are available from the Western Governor's Association by calling 1-800-659-5858 or (303) 446-0349.