U.S. PIRG Applauds District Court Decision
Judge Elizabeth Laporte of the Northern District of California today
overturned the Bush administration’s repeal of protections for nearly
60 million acres of pristine national forest lands.
“The
Bush administration took way too many short-cuts in their rush to clear
cut,” said Anna Aurilio, U.S. PIRG Legislative Director. “Our most
pristine national forests are once again safe from destructive logging,
mining, and oil drilling.”
Judge Laporte found that the Bush administration’s rule violated the
National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, and
Administrative Procedures Act.
The decision reinstates protections first put in place in 2001 under a
policy known as the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The Roadless Rule
protects the last third of America's national forests while allowing
new road construction in order to fight fires, ensure public safety,
and allow brush clearing to protect forest health. The Roadless Rule
ensures that forests will continue to provide clean drinking water,
habitat for wildlife, and endless opportunities for recreation and
solitude.
The Roadless Rule is the most popular conservation initiative in our
nation's history, having already been supported by a record-breaking
2.5 million public comments.
