Reps. Matsui, Huffman, Sarbanes and 45 other members of the House of Representatives issued a strong letter in support of the U.S. Forest Service’s effort to protect mature and old-growth forests through a Nationwide Old-Growth Amendment, calling for multiple provisions to be stronger.

The national old-growth forest plan amendment proposed in December, which followed calls for strong protection for America’s oldest forests from more than 500,000 people, was celebrated as a critical first step toward safeguarding mature and old-growth trees and forests across federal lands. These trees and forests are uniquely suited to serve as tools against climate change because they absorb and sequester higher levels of carbon dioxide than younger stands of trees. Older, larger trees are also more resistant to wildfires. Further, mature and old-growth support essential drinking watersheds and imperiled fish and wildlife, and protect against floods and droughts. The Climate Forests Campaign has been calling for stronger protections for mature and old-growth trees and forests on federal lands as a measure against climate change since February 2022.

In response to the letter of support for the nationwide amendment, members of the coalition, including Natural Resources Defense Council, Center for Biological Diversity, Sierra Club, Environment America, Earthjustice, Oregon Wild and Standing Trees issued the following statement:

“We are very appreciative of the fact that our country has leaders in Congress willing to take a stand in support of a win-win natural climate solution for communities and nature. The United States should be an example to the rest of the world in conserving mature and old-growth forests for future generations.

“These forests act as natural carbon sinks and help buffer against the worsening impacts of climate change. They also protect clean drinking water for communities, offer access to beautiful outdoor recreation opportunities, and safeguard America’s vulnerable fish and wildlife. Protecting our older trees and forests is an essential step to combat the climate crisis, and we’re heartened by the support shown by our elected officials towards lasting positive change.”