Bush Signs Healthy Forests Legislation

President George Bush signed the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 into law on December 3. “We have a responsibility to be good stewards of our forests,” Bush remarked at the signing ceremony, describing the legislation as “a major step forward in protecting America’s forests.” Disagreement, however, surrounds the ecological soundness of the act as well as its intended beneficiaries.

The Healthy Forests Restoration Act, H.R. 1904, expedites the environmental review process, enabling more clearing and logging in most National Forest and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) forestland. According to the White House, the legislation will protect forests from nutrient shortage, insects, and disease caused by uncontrolled growth, and it will prevent wildfires, saving lives and property and reducing environmental damage caused by fires. Many environmentalists complain that the bill will allow the Forest Service to conduct logging projects—regardless of size, environmental impact, or level of controversy—without considering alternative plans, including the “no action” alternative of status quo. It will also significantly limit opportunities for public comment.