Bush wants to allow govs exemptions for roads through state's forests

[bigtree]

Bush Admin. Urged to Keep Roadless Rule
Democrats Call for Bush. Administration to Keep Rule Protecting Forests From Road Construction

The Associated Press
WASHINGTON May 5, 2004 —

Democrats and environmentalists urged the Bush administration on Wednesday not to make any more changes to a rule that bars construction of roads and other development in nearly one-third of national forests.

The administration already exempted the nation's largest national forest the Tongass in Alaska from the rule and is considering a plan to allow governors to request exemptions for national forests in their states.

Critics say that would give governors unprecedented power over federal lands and worry that it could lead to the destruction of some of the most pristine areas in the country.

"Keep your chain saws and your roads out of the pristine parts of Washington state," Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash., said at a news conference.

http://abcnews.go.com/wire/US/ap20040505_2149.html

Me Book