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Heritage Forests Campaign News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 10, 2001
CONTACT: Le Evans, NET

ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS CRITICIZE BUSH'S FAILURE TO DEFEND FOREST POLICY
Following Judge's Ruling, Call On Bush Administration To Appeal

WASHINGTON Environmental groups today criticized the Bush administration for failing to defend the forest conservation policy before a federal court in Idaho.

Federal Judge Edward Lodge today ordered a preliminary injunction to prevent the implementation of the forest conservation policy, commonly known as the Roadless Area Conservation Rule.

To support the conclusions in his order, Judge Lodge cited the Bush administration's "own admission" that they "share plaintiffs concerns about the potential for irreparable harm in the long-term under the current rule

"If President Bush is serious about upholding the roadless rule then his administration must appeal Judge Lodge's decision and vigorously defend the forest conservation policy for the first time," said Jane Danowitz, of the Heritage Forests Campaign.

Environmentalists say Judge Lodge's ruling is likely to be overturned on appeal, given the well-documented scientific basis for the policy, the unprecedented amount of public involvement, and the presumption of validity that courts typically accord to agency actions of this sort.