Heinrich: "In fighting for the Roadless Rule, we are fighting for protections for our roadless areas, and against putting special interests first"
"We are fighting for stronger local economies for all, and against industrial development for the wealthy few"
WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, delivered remarks on the Senate floor, raising the alarm on the Trump Administration's efforts to rescind the Roadless Rule, and urging the American people to make their voices heard by engaging in the public comment process on this attack on our nation's hunting and fishing heritage.
The Roadless Rule, established more than 20 years ago, protects nearly 45 million acres of public lands administered by the Forest Service. The Administration opened the public comment period on August 29th, and it will close this Friday, September 19th, at 11:59pm ET.
"Finalized in 2001, the Roadless Rule protects nearly 45 million acres of national forest land that belong to each and every American," Heinrich said. "From the hazy blue peaks of the Appalachian Mountains to the imposing spires of the Rockies; from the saltwater estuaries of the Croatan National Forest in North Carolina to the towering Ponderosa Pines of the Santa Fe National Forest in my home state; across the country, many people's favorite hunting spots, their favorite hiking trails and biking routes, ATV trails and fishing streams are in these protected roadless areas."
Heinrich concluded, "I am fighting for the Roadless Rule, and I urge you to join me. To my colleagues in the Forest Service: I ask that you extend the public comment period for the public. And to the American people: I urge you to engage in the public commenting process, and make sure your voices are heard."
A video of Heinrich's floor speech can be found here.
