Key facts
- Republican senators added an amendment to a wildfire prevention bill to repeal the 2001 Roadless Rule.
- The Roadless Rule prohibits road construction, logging, and other activities in undeveloped national forests.
- Democrats believe the amendment will significantly reduce the bill's chances of passing.
- The amendment passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee via a party-line vote.
- The Roadless Rule protects approximately 30% of National Forest System lands.
Republican senators have introduced a controversial amendment to a wildfire prevention bill that seeks to repeal the 2001 Roadless Rule, a move Democrats argue significantly jeopardizes the legislation's passage. The amendment, proposed by Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), would block road construction, logging, drilling, and mining in undeveloped national forests, impacting approximately 30% of National Forest System lands.
Democrats, including Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), expressed strong opposition, stating the amendment transforms a bipartisan effort into a partisan issue. Heinrich noted that the move dramatically dims the prospects of the underlying bill becoming law. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) echoed these concerns, emphasizing the Roadless Rule's role in protecting iconic landscapes for recreation.
Conversely, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) supported the amendment, arguing that the Roadless Rule hinders necessary projects, such as hydropower transmission in her state. The amendment was added to the bill in a party-line vote within the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
The committee has been a site of broader partisan tensions, with Chairman Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Sen. Heinrich exchanging accusations of obstruction and unfair legislative practices. Despite these disputes, negotiations on a separate "permitting reform" deal are reportedly progressing well.