The Biden administration has withdrawn a proposal to safeguard old-growth forests following industry and Republican opposition, citing lessons learned from public feedback.
Matthew Brown reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- The Forest Service shelved the plan, intended to limit logging of old-growth forests, after criticism that it overlooked local forest ecosystem differences.
- Timber industry groups argued existing protections are sufficient and further restrictions would harm logging businesses reliant on federal lands.
- Conservation groups maintain that protecting old-growth forests is essential due to their carbon storage capacity and vulnerability to climate-related threats like wildfires.
Key quote:
“There is strong support for, and an expectation of us, to continue to conserve these forests based on the best available scientific information.”
— U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore
Why this matters:
Old-growth forests store significant carbon, making them vital in climate change mitigation. However, threats from wildfires, pests and logging challenge their survival. Balancing conservation with economic interests remains a contentious policy issue.
Read more: Biden administration falls short on forest protection despite pledges
