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August 6, 2003
STATEMENT OF ARTHUR STAMOULIS,
FIELD ORGANIZER, CLEAN AIR COUNCIL, ON THE ROADLESS AREA
CONSERVATION RULE:
"By gutting the Roadless Rule, the
Bush administration is doing nothing less than handing over
America's last remaining pristine areas so that corporate
interests can make a quick-and-dirty profit.
"Public lands belong to America.
They belong to the American people. These pristine areas
should be conserved for the benefit of all people, not just
for the Bush administration's supporters in the oil, gas
and timber industries.
"Pennsylvania's 25,000 acres of national
forest protected by the Roadless Rule is some of the last
remaining strong and healthy forestland in the state. There
is a reason this land has been protected thus far.
"Strong forests preserve critical
habitat for fish and wildlife, including many endangered
species. Strong forests also provide excellent recreational
opportunities, including hiking, camping, hunting and fishing.
"More importantly, strong forests
protect many of the nation's rivers and streams, the sources
of drinking water for millions of Americans. Strong forests
also play a role in removing greenhouse gases from the air,
helping to slow the devastating impacts of global warming.
"It would be a crime to hand over
Pennsylvania's last remaining roadless forests for the sake
of short-term exploitation.
"The proposed changes to the Roadless
Rule are part of a long tradition in the Bush administration
of ignoring the interests of the American people and weakening
environmental protections in favor of big business. Americans
want their elected officials to take a strong stand in favor
of conservation. Millions of Americans have spoken out in
favor of the Roadless Rule. It is the most commented-on
rule in American history. The vast majority of Americans,
Pennsylvanians, hunters and fishers, all support the Roadless
Rule.
"By gutting
the Roadless Rule, the Bush administration is not only turning
its back on the environment-it is turning its back on the
American people."
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