Comment Now to Protect Our National Forests
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The proposed rule would make it much easier for companies to get Agency approval for logging operations. Wikimedia photo.
Currently, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires a robust environmental assessment and public comment period for just about any project which takes place on land managed by the Forest Service. However, a new proposed rule would make it significantly easier for projects to be approved. The rule would eliminate the need for environmental assessments on projects impacting areas totaling 4,200 acres or less, and would eliminate the well-established public notice and comment system which is a major part of the assessment process. In essence, one could show up to a favorite trail or campsite only to find that it has been logged or otherwise impacted with no public notice given.
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However, Americans have the chance to fight against this deregulation using the very same system which is currently being threatened. The public comment period on this proposed rule change ends Monday, August 12th, leaving only a few days during which concerned citizens can weigh in.
Please submit your comment via the official government page, or via the Southern Environmental Law Center's commenting tool.
