Trump administration to rescind rule protecting old growth forests
Summary
President Donald Trump’s administration plans to cancel the “roadless rule” that has protected nearly 45 million acres of old growth forests in U.S. national forests for 25 years. This change would allow more road building, logging, and drilling in those forests, which has raised concerns among environmental groups.Key Facts
- The roadless rule was created in 2001 during President Bill Clinton’s administration to protect old growth forests by limiting road construction.
- The Trump administration filed a proposal to completely remove this rule.
- Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Agriculture under President Trump, called the rule “overly restrictive” and a barrier to forest management and development.
- The U.S. Forest Service supports the change, saying it will help reduce wildfire risks and improve forest health through active management.
- Environmental groups, like the Sierra Club and NRDC, oppose the move, saying it will lead to more industrial damage and harm wildlife habitats.
- They also argue that roads increase wildfire risks rather than reduce them.
- The roadless rule still allows some actions to reduce fire hazards without opening forests to extensive development.
- The areas affected include significant forests such as California’s Tahoe, Alaska’s Tongass, and lands near the Appalachian Trail.
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