Gabby Brown, gabby.brown@sierraclub.org
Today, the Biden administration kicked off the formal review process of a plan to fully restore environmental protections to Tongass National Forest in Alaska, reversing a Trump-era attack on the Tongass that would have put Alaska’s last vestiges of old-growth forest at risk of destructive logging and road-building. Biden’s plan will also extend new safeguards for the forest as well as dedicating $25 million in federal spending on local sustainable development in Alaska.
Communities across Southeast Alaska and nationwide have spoken out in opposition to Trump’s attempt to exempt the Tongass from Roadless Rule protections because it threatened local economies, wildlife, and the climate. The Tongass is home to some of the last remaining stands of temperate old-growth rainforest in the world and serves as a hub for tourism, fishing, and outdoor recreation in Southeast Alaska. It is also America’s largest forest storehouse of carbon.
Today’s action begins the petition process under the Administrative Procedure Act to reinstate the Roadless Rule in Alaska. It kicks off a 60-day public comment period.
In response, Sierra Club Alaska Chapter Director Andrea Feniger released the following statement:
“We applaud the Biden administration for listening to the voices of Southeast Alaska communities who have been relentless in their advocacy to protect the livelihoods, local economies, and wildlife that depend on the Tongass. The Tongass is a priceless resource and a critical tool in the fight against climate change, and this action brings us one step closer to ensuring that our forest wildlands remain protected for good.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.