Earl Blumenauer: “I hope that this debate will spark a serious analysis and real action on the problems related to roads in our national…”

“I hope that this debate will spark a serious analysis and real action on the problems related to roads in our national forests. For people who care deeply about the environment and look beyond the rhetoric, it is sometimes hard to know the best way to protect that environment. In part, this confusion evidenced this evening shows why we should not attempt to legislate or set policy via the appropriations process. It is the blunt instrument that people have referenced. While the passage of this amendment may in fact slow or stop some roadwork, it will not achieve what some advocates claim. It will not stop logging roads, and it is not clear how much, if any, money this will save.”