In Santa Fe, New Mexico, it was announced by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins that the Trump administration intends to revoke a rule from 2001 that prohibits logging on national forest lands. This rule, known as the roadless rule, was instituted during Bill Clinton’s presidency and has been a significant point of contention for Republican lawmakers, particularly in the western United States, where expansive national forests intersect with a declining logging industry.
Rollins, speaking at the Western Governors Association’s annual meeting, highlighted how the roadless rule has hindered road development and “responsible timber production” that could mitigate the risk of large-scale wildfires. “This move ushers in a new era of consistency and sustainability for our nation’s forests,” Rollins asserted.
Scientists note the increasing severity of wildfires stems from a combination of climate change, which dries out forests, reduced logging activity, and several decades of fire suppression allowing forest fuel to accumulate. The roadless rule currently affects 30% of the nation’s forest land, translating to approximately 59 million acres, as stated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
This rule is not universally applied, as states like Idaho and Colorado have their roadless-area regulations that override the 2001 roadless rule, indicating not all national forest lands will be directly influenced by its revocation. Rollins indicated that her announcement marks the beginning of a process to rescind the roadless rule, with a formal notice expected in the coming weeks.
This decision coincides with recent discussions regarding the potential sale of federal lands as a strategy to make housing more affordable. The proposal has been met with criticism from Democrats who see it as a public land seizure. Governors at the meeting expressed mixed feelings, balancing economic development enthusiasm with concerns over limiting public access to communal lands.
During the governors’ conference, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum spoke of a new “era of abundance” on public lands under President Trump, aimed at advancing natural resource development, including energy and critical minerals essential for producing electronics and vehicles.
Outside the Santa Fe hotel entrance, protesters voiced their disapproval of efforts perceived to privatize federal public lands, chanting “not for sale” and holding signs expressing a desire to keep public lands accessible for future generations.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, a Trump supporter, praised the reversal regarding roadless areas as a demonstration of President Trump fulfilling his commitment to make resources available for conscientious development.
The roadless area decision starkly contrasts with the Biden administration’s approach, which has focused more on limiting logging activities and safeguarding old-growth forests. Environmental organizations warn against removing these protections, pointing out the threat it poses to ecosystems, recreational spaces, and communities facing fiercer wildfire seasons.
Josh Hicks from The Wilderness Society criticized any potential rollback of the roadless rule as detrimental to the environment and public enjoyment of these lands. Contradicting Rollins, Rachael Hamby of the Center for Western Priorities argued that additional logging could worsen climate change and intensify wildfires.
In Alaska, the debate over the roadless rule continues, especially concerning the Tongass National Forest, the largest in the U.S. Here, the rule has sparked ongoing litigation, with state figures advocating an exemption for economic gains. During Trump’s presidency, restrictions on the Tongass regarding logging and road-building were eased, a move later reverted by the Biden administration.
Earlier in January, Trump proposed a policy return regarding an Alaska-specific directive to encourage oil, gas, mining, and logging activities. The Tongass National Forest, a temperate rainforest, harbors diverse wildlife including bears, wolves, salmon, and bald eagles.