Congress Looks at Roadless Rule “Detour” for Montana
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Helena, MT – The U.S. House is considering the "Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act" today. If enacted, all inventoried roadless areas will be declared "wilderness," and the law would clear the way for jobs on the land, such as reforestation of clear cuts and rehabilitation of old roads. Mike Garrity with the Alliance for the Wild Rockies explains the proposal would also put an end to the years of fighting over the so-called "roadless rule."
"The roadless rule isn't as strong as it should be. Any President can change it. Congress needs to step up to the plate and have a say in how our public lands are managed."
The law would cover seven million acres in Montana and, as might be expected, is not without controversy. Critics argue that locals, not Congress, should have the power to make decisions regarding how public land is used and managed.
Garrity points out that almost all Montanans who have commented on the issue of roadless areas support keeping them that way. He says the act would also get the government out of the timber industry, something he believes it has never been very good at.
"Every time the federal government logs, they lose money. So, if we restrict this, taxpayers will actually save $375 million."
The legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Carolyn Maloney, a Democrat from New York and Christopher Shays, a Republican from Connecticut.
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