Bush Administration Finally Admits It is Not Protecting Our National Forests

Pelosi: 'Bush Administration Finally Admits It is Not Protecting Our National Forests'

Washington, D.C.-House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today on the Bush Administration's decision to virtually eliminate the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Developed by the Clinton Administration, the Roadless Rule received the largest number of public comments in history. The Rule protects the wildest areas in our national forests by preventing road building.

"After years of giving lip service to upholding the Roadless Rule while consistently working to undermine it, the Bush Administration has finally admitted that it has no intention of protecting our national forests. Having repeatedly failed to defend the regulations in court - in fact agreeing with the rule's opponents - and having already exempted Alaska's magnificent forests from protection, the Bush Administration is now throwing the door wide open to unlimited exploitation of national forests in every state.

"Under the provisions announced today, governors who want to preserve our nation's wildest forests must petition the federal government for permission, with no assurance that their petitions will be accepted. In states where governors are not committed to protecting pristine forests from logging and mining, the roadless rule will simply fade away.

"There are so many compelling reasons to protect our wildest national forests, but once again the Bush Administration has chosen to act on behalf of narrow special interests rather than the American people."