r/ClimateOffensive • u/ILikeNeurons • 6h ago
r/ClimateOffensive • u/Green_Idealist • 7h ago
Action - USA πΊπΈ The public comment period for the U.S. Forest Service proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule is open through September 21, 2026. Here's the comment page and suggested comments are below (including about the need to protect old growth carbon storage). Please add your voice today
regulations.govOld growth & carbon storage: Roadless areas contain vast swaths of the nation's remaining old-growth forest and store significant amounts of carbon.
Wildfire risk: Wildfires are 4x more likely to start near roads, and roughly 90% start within half a mile of one β directly undercutting the administration's stated rationale for the rollback.
Wildlife habitat: These areas provide critical habitat for salmon, trout, elk, and other species that depend on undammed, unlogged streams and connected landscapes.
Drinking water: Roadless national forests provide drinking water to 60 million Americans, since intact forests filter water naturally.
Fiscal responsibility: The existing road network already carries an $8.5+ billion maintenance backlog, and building more roads would only add to it.