Earthjustice applauds the introduction of Roadless Area Conservation Acts in both the House and Senate today with a record number of original cosponsors in both houses.

Here is a statement from Earthjustice president, Trip Van Noppen:

“Once again, Congress has shown its strong support for protecting these pristine lands in our national forests. We particularly commend the dedication that the bills’ sponsors, Representative Jay Inslee (D-WA) and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), have given to protecting these forests. They have been the leading congressional defenders of the landmark 2001 Roadless Rule for eight very challenging years. Their tireless efforts will help ensure that these wild forests, and the clean water, wildlife and recreation opportunities they sustain, will be there for the benefit of future generations of Americans.

“Today’s introduction is particularly meaningful because, thanks to an August 5th ruling by the 9th Circuit Court, the 2001 Roadless Rule again applies nationwide, except for remaining Bush-era exemptions of Alaska’s Tongass National Forest and Idaho. 

“We are grateful for the President’s pledge to defend and uphold the 2001 Roadless Rule and Secretary of Agriculture’s support of the rule.

“We look forward to working with the administration to restore its protections to Alaska’s Tongass rainforest and all the national forests in the state of Idaho.”