News Coverage Roundup

Comprehensive Analysis of Roadless Rule Rescission Coverage

Back to Home

Here's a concise roundup of credible coverage on USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins' June 23, 2025 announcement regarding the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule.

What Happened (and What It Means)

Event & Claim (June 23, 2025): USDA posted a press release saying Secretary Rollins is rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule, citing wildfire risk and "responsible timber production." It references President Trump's deregulation agenda (EO 14192). Affected lands are ~58–59 million acres (~30% of Forest Service lands), with heavy impact in places like Alaska's Tongass. (USDA)
Process Nuance: Most independent reporting frames this as the start of a rulemaking (i.e., intent to rescind) that will require formal notice and comment. As of August 13, 2025, we're not seeing a Federal Register notice specific to rescinding the Roadless Rule; the Forest Service's own page describes it as an intent to rescind. (AP News), (CBS News), (E&E News)
State Carve-outs: Multiple outlets note Colorado and Idaho have their own roadless rules that would not be directly affected. (AP News)

How Major Outlets Covered It

Key Takeaways by Publication
Reuters: Focuses on rollback scope (~59M acres), rationale (wildfire management), alignment with Trump deregulation; flags opposition from environmental groups and some state officials. (Reuters)
AP News: Stresses this is the first step with formal notice expected; reiterates that Colorado/Idaho state rules are separate. (AP News)
Washington Post: Says USDA will begin the process of rolling back protections; highlights Tongass and overall acreage. (Washington Post)
The Guardian / The Verge: Emphasize environmental risks, Tongass exposure, and likely legal fights; Verge cites Tongass coverage at ~92%. (The Guardian), (The Verge)
Regional & Policy Press: E&E News tracks hurdles and timing; Source NM and others confirm the announcement at the Western Governors' Association meeting in Santa Fe; Colorado press underscores state-specific protections. (E&E News), (Source NM), (Colorado Sun)

Support & Opposition Snapshot

Support

House Natural Resources Chair Bruce Westerman and others applauded the move as enabling "responsible management" and firefighting access. (Natural Resources Committee)

Opposition

Environmental orgs (Earthjustice, NRDC, Outdoor Alliance) argue it endangers wildlife, watersheds, and climate goals; they signal legal challenges ahead. (Earthjustice), (NRDC), (Outdoor Alliance)

Key Data Points Repeatedly Cited

Critical Statistics
Acreage Affected: ~58.5–59 million acres (about 30% of National Forest System land). (USDA), (Reuters)
Tongass Context: Reported as ~92% of the forest within roadless protections (hence highly impacted). (USDA), (The Verge)
Timeline Next Steps: Expect an NPRM/notice and public comment; multiple reports say a formal notice would follow the announcement. (We did not find the notice published yet.) (AP News), (CBS News)

Official Context & Documentation

Key Documents
USDA Press Release (Original): Sets out USDA's justification and cites EO 14192. (USDA)
Forest Service Explainer: Describes this as an intent to rescind; background on roadless areas. (US Forest Service)
EO 14192: Deregulation framework used as policy basis. (White House), (US EPA)
Additional Coverage
Reuters Coverage
AP News Analysis
The Guardian Report
The Verge Coverage
San Francisco Chronicle