"The Trump administration plans to remove restrictions on logging across more than 40 million acres of national forest, the Agriculture Department said.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said a much-awaited proposed regulation to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule would help the Forest Service reduce wildfire risks in overstocked national forests, especially in the fire-prone West.

“Our forests can’t afford another decade of inaction,” Rollins said. “Across the country, we’ve watched preventable conditions — overgrown stands, insect outbreaks and disease — turn healthy landscapes into tinder boxes.”"

Marc Heller reports for E&E News August 18, 2026.M EDT

SEE ALSO:

"Trump Administration Moves to Allow Logging in Pristine National Forests" (New York Times)

"Trump Administration Moves Ahead To End Roadless Rule On National Forests" (AP)