Federal judge reinstates Clinton-era rule against roads in ...

[MaineDem]

Federal judge reinstates Clinton-era rule against roads in untouched national forests

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 20 — A federal judge Wednesday reinstated a Clinton administration ban on the building of roads in untouched sections of national forests.

U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Laporte sided with states and environmentalists who sued to protect forest land.

http://famulus.msnbc.com/famulusgen/ap09-20-102638.asp?t=apnew&vts=92020061037

[madinmaryland]

1. That's great news!

Though I am worried that the SCOTUS (Scalito & Co) will overturn this.

[texpatriot2004]

2. Yeah! May the forest be with you. nm

[maddezmom]

3. Great news

:thumbsup:

[bushisanidiot]

4. God bless this judge and God Bless America The Beautiful!

this is great news! :)

[fshrink]

5. So-called "supreme" court will fix that glitch.

[NOLADEM]

6. WOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOO

This rule is one of the great items of Clinton's legacy.

WOOOOO FUCKING HOOOO

[Mind_your_head]

7. Thank you Judge Laporte!!!!

K & R

:kick:

[The Backlash Cometh]

8. Wow. This is just too cool.

I hope it sticks.

[Judi Lynn]

9. More on this unexpected GREAT NEWS!

From the Oregon State Public Interest Research Group:

For Immediate Release:
September 20, 2006

For More Information:
Jeremiah Baumann
[phone]



Key National Forest Protections Reinstated
OSPIRG Applauds District Court Decision

Judge Elizabeth Laporte of the Northern District of California today overturned the Bush administration’s repeal of protections for nearly 60 million acres of pristine national forest lands, including nearly 2 million acres in Oregon.

“The Bush administration took way too many short-cuts in their rush to clear cut,” said Jeremiah Baumann, OSPIRG Environmental Advocate. “Our most pristine national forests are once again safe from destructive logging, mining, and oil drilling.”

Judge Laporte found that the Bush administration’s rule violated the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, and Administrative Procedures Act.

The decision reinstates protections first put in place in 2001 under a policy known as the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The Roadless Rule protects the last third of America's national forests while allowing new road construction in order to fight fires, ensure public safety, and allow brush clearing to protect forest health. The Roadless Rule ensures that forests will continue to provide clean drinking water, habitat for wildlife, and endless opportunities for recreation and solitude.

The Roadless Rule is the most popular conservation initiative in our nation's history, having already been supported by a record-breaking 2.5 million public comments, over 79,000 of which came from Oregonians.
(snip/)

http://ospirg.org/OR.asp?id2=27533

[Judi Lynn]

10. Idaho to move ahead with roadless plan despite federal court ruling

Idaho to move ahead with roadless plan despite federal court ruling
02:24 PM MDT on Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Associated Press

BOISE -- A federal court in California has overturned a Bush Administration rule governing America's 58 million acres of roadless areas.

But Governor Jim Risch, who unveiled Idaho's plan for the state's 9.3 million acres of roadless area today, says Idaho will move ahead anyway.

“This is the culmination of a collaborative process with local communities and users of these lands on how roadless areas should be managed. Over 60 public meetings were held and nearly 1,600 comments were received providing input on how to protect the characteristics of these roadless areas and allowing Idahoans to continue their enjoyment of these lands,” said Risch.

The Bush administration in May 2005 passed a rule replacing former President Clinton's mandate to shield roadless areas.

Bush allowed governors to petition to protect roadless areas, nullify land-use plans that stopped development and management, or have the Forest Service create new plans.

“We are moving forward today in presenting our recommendations to the federal government on how Idaho wants its roadless areas managed. This latest ruling will be appealed and Idaho will continue its participation in the case and join in that appeal,” said Risch.
(snip/...)

http://www.ktvb.com/news/localnews/stories/ktvbn-sep2006-roadless_ruling.2af56f32.html

[rodeodance]

12. well, lets hope some group will stop them.

[GetTheRightVote]

11. This is great !!! I was so afriad for our national treasures lost.

This is a great day for this judgement, thank you Judge Laporte.

:kick: