White House 'Set Stage' for Injunction Against Forest Protections
"The Bush Administration set the stage for this court ruling by essentially agreeing with the arguments of the rule’s opponents, even as they were claiming to support roadless protections," said Schlickeisen. "With a wink and a nod from the White House, Judge Lodge felt free to strike down one of the most extensive, inclusive public rulemaking efforts ever seen, ignoring the input of more than 600 public hearings and more than 1.6 million official public comments."
For today’s ruling, Judge Lodge relied heavily on the Bush Administration’s "Status Report," which largely agreed with arguments made by the State of Idaho, the timber industry, and other plaintiffs, that the process was inadequate and that protecting roadless areas will harm the environment. The ruling did not acknowledge the extensive, official public input over more than three years that went into the roadless rule, or the ecological damage that results from road building and logging in these areas.
"Defenders of Wildlife is joining with other environmental organizations in appealing this unfortunate decision," said Schlickeisen. "If the Secretary of Agriculture and the White House meant a word of what they said last week about protecting roadless areas, they’ll immediately and energetically appeal as well."
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Defenders of Wildlife is a leading non-profit conservation organization recognized as one of the nation's most progressive advocates for wildlife and its habitat. With more than 440,000 members and supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is an effective leader on endangered species issues.
Contact(s):
Cat Lazaroff, (202) 772-3270
