SC Alaska News

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, both representing Alaska, have expressed their support for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's decision to initiate the repeal of the 2001 Roadless Rule nationwide. This announcement was made by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.

Senator Murkowski stated, "The Roadless Rule has never fit Alaska, so I welcome this effort to rescind it." She emphasized that even without the rule, nearly 80 percent of the Tongass National Forest would remain protected from development. According to her, repealing the rule will not harm the environment but will open opportunities for renewable energy, forestry, mining, tourism, and more in areas under federal control. She highlighted its importance for building a sustainable year-round economy in Southeast Alaska.

Senator Sullivan also welcomed the decision by Secretary Rollins and President Trump to rescind the Roadless Rule. He noted that since 2001, this rule has hindered Alaskans' ability to responsibly harvest timber, develop minerals, connect communities or build energy projects at lower costs. He mentioned that renewable energy projects like hydropower are crucial for economic opportunities in Southeast Alaska surrounded by the Tongass National Forest. "I am grateful that the Trump administration is once again rescinding this rule to put Alaskans back in the driver’s seat," he said.

The Tongass National Forest covers nearly 16.7 million acres and includes 32 islanded communities in Southeast Alaska. Since 2001, access needed for timber, mining, tourism, recreation, and renewable resources development has been restricted due to the Roadless Rule.

In 2018, a state-specific Roadless Rule focused on the Tongass was developed by the Forest Service and finalized in October 2020. This exempted Tongass from broad prohibitions on road construction and timber harvests on inventoried roadless areas within National Forest System lands starting from 2001.

However, in January 2023 under Biden's administration USDA Forest Service repealed Tongass's exemption from this rule despite requests from State of Alaska along with data supporting its exemption during Trump's tenure.