Sierra Club: Congress Must Pass Forest Protection Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the U.S Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a subcommittee hearing on a bill that would codify protections for nearly 60 million acres of national forests across the country.

The Roadless Area Conservation Rule is a U.S. Forest Service rule that protects millions of acres of pristine national forests. It was introduced in 2001 after extensive public comment, which resulted in more than a million comments in support of the policy. In June, the Trump administration announced plans to repeal the Roadless Rule. During the initial public comment period this fall, more than half a million people urged the administration to keep the rule in place.

The Roadless Area Conservation Act, sponsored by Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) would enshrine in law the Roadless Rule. At today’s hearing, Senators Cantwell, Heinrich, and others recognized  the importance of maintaining protections for our nation’s roadless forests for their benefits in watershed health, outdoor recreation, climate mitigation, and wildlife habitat. 

In response Anna Medema, Associate Director, Legislative and Administrative Advocacy for Forests and Public Lands at Sierra Club, released the following statement:

“Our national forests are the heart of our public lands. For more than two decades, the Roadless Rule has protected millions of acres of national forests across the U.S. from logging, mining, roadbuilding, and other industrial development. Passing the Roadless Area Conservation Act would ensure these places are protected for generations to come. We urge Congress to do so.”