Federal Judge Strikes Down U.S. Forest Service Rules on Public Comment

[Judi Lynn]

Federal Judge Strikes Down U.S. Forest Service Rules on Public Comment

April 26, 2006 — By Susan Gallagher, Associated Press
HELENA, Mont. — A federal judge struck down regulations that limited the public's ability to challenge U.S. Forest Service decisions on timber sales and other projects.

The judge issued an injunction Monday against a rule that required people to specify objections to Forest Service projects while they are under consideration, or forfeit the right to challenge them later. The injunction applies nationwide.

Lawyer Doug Honnold, who represented environmental groups in the case, said Tuesday the rule was a problem because people might not know a project threatened their interests until after the agency's deadline.

"Whether you're a hunter, hiker or neighboring landowner, the Bush rule could cut you out of the process," said Honnold, of Earthjustice.
(snip/...)

http://www.enn.com/today.html?id=10332

[salin]

1. good to read - given the way bushco operates

it was impossible. Rule said - specific objections had to be made while actions/projects 'are under consideration' - but bushco is ALL about acting (eg when things are 'under consideration) in SILENCE and out of the public attention. Thus if citizens/groups don't know what/when is being considered, then when the action/project is "announced" it is too late to make any objection.

[Missy M]

2. Good news. I hope we can strike down all Bush rules that...

are not in the peoples interest.

[fasttense]

3. As usual the corrupt and incompetent cronies of the bush*

administration are passing "rules" to benefit their corporate masters.

[rodeodance]

4. good news. Take this rule Mr BushCo!