Forwarded by Jane Clark at [log in to unmask]

For Immediate Release: May 4, 2001
           Contact: Allen Mattison, 202-675-7903, Sierra Club

               BUSH OPENS DOOR TO LOGGING IN PRISTINE NATIONAL FORESTS,
                    LETS TIMBER INDUSTRY DO THE DIRTY WORK
          Statement of Carl Pope, Sierra Club Executive Director

"The Bush Administration heard the public outcry for protecting our
National Forests, and they have backed off for now from earlier indications
that they would try to repeal these protections.  It's positive that
President Bush is letting these protections stand at least temporarily, but
his decision is far different than mounting a vigorous defense to keep our
unspoiled forests from being clearcut, strip-mined or drilled for oil.

"President Bush appears to be retreating from the ring and letting the
timber industry do the dirty work.  Rather than putting up a fight to
defend places where Americans love to hunt and hike, President Bush is
letting the state of Idaho and the timber industry attack these wild
forests.

"President Bush concedes that Americans want to protect these areas for
recreation and clean water.  Poll after poll, comment after public comment
has shown wide support for saving our last unspoiled forests.  The Bush
administration is afraid to just dump the plan.  Instead, it has taken a
tack where it can claim credit for upholding the rule while allowing the
State of Idaho and the timber industry to gnaw away at the edges until no
protections remain.

"During Attorney General John Ashcroft's confirmation hearings, he
promised, under oath, to defend these protections in court.  This plan
should be implemented fully and immediately, and we're on watch to ensure
the Department of Justice fulfills its obligations to the American people.
The real test is the Administration's defense of the plan in the courts and
their enforcement in the forests.

"Americans want the last wild areas in our National Forests protected for
our families and for our future.  From the Tongass rainforest to Montana's
ponderosas to Florida's pine forests, citizens calling for wild forest
protection vastly outnumbered those opposed.  People want these forests
saved for hunting, fishing, camping, and providing clean water forever --
not for the profit of a few timber and mining industries."

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