Gallego Introduces Bill Preserving the Last Remaining Wild Forests

Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) is introducing legislation to preserve the last remaining wild forests in the United States.

Specifically, Sen. Gallego's Roadless Area Conservation Act codifies the U.S. Forest Service's "Roadless Rule" into law, which permanently protects approximately 58.5 million acres of woodland, spread across 39 states, from logging and roadbuilding, thereby protecting the habitats of roughly 1,600 species, reducing wildfire risks, and preserving watersheds that provide drinking water to 60 million Americans.

Such a bill also saves taxpayer money on road construction, thereby allowing the Forest Service to maintain its existing road network and reduce the backlog of deferred maintenance.

"For decades, the Roadless Rule has been protecting over 1 million acres of forest in Arizona – providing clean air and water, supporting areas of cultural and spiritual significance to many tribes, and bolstering our vital tourism economy," said Sen. Gallego in his press release, adding, "But unless we codify those protections into law, they will always be at risk. That's exactly what this legislation does, and I'm proud to reintroduce it."

Representative Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), who is introducing the bill's House of Representatives companion, said, "In the Southwest, we know how important our wild forestlands are. They are a habitat for wildlife; they bolster clean air and water for our dry, arid climate and provide spaces where families can connect and make lasting memories."

"The Roadless Area Conservation Act is a vital step in combating climate change and preserving public land for our communities," Rep. Ansari added.

In February, the Arizona Senator reintroduced the Protect the West Act, which creates a $60 billion budget for wildfire protection, watershed restoration, and drought mitigation.

Additional measures include creating an Outdoor Restoration & Watershed Fund for local efforts, establishing an advisory council to oversee directives, advise funding priorities, and coordinate regional efforts, and investing in greater preemptive wildfire prevention and natural hazard mitigation rather than recovery efforts after the fact, as preemptive measures are 30 times more cost-effective than recovery efforts.