To provide that the final rule titled "Special Areas; Roadless Area Conservation" and issued on January 12, 2001 (66 Fed. Reg. 3244) shall have no force or effect and require the Secretary of Agriculture to construct certain roads on National Forest System lands, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Hageman, Harriet M. [R-WY-At Large]
- Committees
- Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 21, 2026
Bottom line
H.R. 7695 seeks to reverse a two-decade-old federal policy to open previously protected roadless areas within national forests to road construction for active forest management and resource access.
What it actually does
This bill nullifies the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which restricted road construction and timber harvesting on nearly 58 million acres of National Forest System lands. It further prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from enacting similar rules and mandates the construction of new permanent and temporary roads for forest restoration, hazardous fuels reduction, and other management activities, subject to environmental review.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that the 2001 Roadless Rule has hindered effective forest management, contributing to increased wildfire risk, poor forest health, and limited access for economic activities. They contend that this bill would allow the Forest Service to actively manage forests, reduce hazardous fuels, improve watershed health, and facilitate timber harvesting, thereby protecting communities and promoting rural economies.
Opponents contend
Opponents assert that nullifying the Roadless Rule would jeopardize critical wildlife habitats, pristine watersheds, and outdoor recreation opportunities in some of the nation's last undeveloped national forest lands. They argue that increased road construction could lead to habitat fragmentation, erosion, water pollution, and increased costs, undermining conservation efforts and potentially increasing wildfire risk in the long term by facilitating more human activity.
The bill is short and relatively straightforward, allowing for a quick understanding of its core policy changes.
Section 1(a)(1)
Roadless Rule Nullification
This provision explicitly states that the final rule issued by the Department of Agriculture on January 12, 2001, known as the "Special Areas; Roadless Area Conservation" rule, will no longer be in effect. This rule previously restricted road construction and timber harvesting in designated roadless areas within National Forests.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that nullifying the Roadless Rule is essential for modernizing forest management, allowing the Forest Service greater flexibility to address issues like wildfire risk, insect infestations, and disease through active intervention, including timber removal and prescribed burns that require road access.
Critics contend
Opponents contend that the Roadless Rule has been crucial for preserving wilderness characteristics, protecting biodiversity, and safeguarding clean water sources. They argue its nullification would lead to irreversible environmental damage and diminish opportunities for backcountry recreation.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the desire for active forest management and resource extraction with the goal of wilderness preservation and environmental protection.
Section 1(a)(2)
Prohibition on Future Roadless Rules
This section prevents the Secretary of Agriculture from creating or implementing any new rule that is substantially similar to the now-nullified 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. This ensures that the policy shift away from broad roadless area protections is enduring.
Section 1(b)
Mandatory Road Construction for Specific Purposes
This provision mandates the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Forest Service, to construct permanent and temporary roads on National Forest System lands. These roads must be built for specific purposes, including forest restoration, hazardous fuels reduction in vulnerable areas (at-risk communities, wildland-urban interface, municipal watersheds), replacing or decommissioning unhealthy existing roads, and fulfilling the intent of the 1897 Organic Administration Act. All construction must comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Requires the Secretary to construct roads "to carry out the intent of the Act of June 4, 1897 (16 U.S.C. 473-482, 551)." This Act, also known as the Organic Administration Act, established the fundamental purposes of national forests, including securing favorable conditions of water flows and furnishing a continuous supply of timber.
Section 1(b)(4)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to reference foundational statutes, but it also allows for broad interpretation of "intent," which can be politically advantageous.
Case for: Proponents would argue that referencing the 1897 Act reaffirms the original, multiple-use mandate of national forests, ensuring that timber production and water resource management are prioritized alongside other uses, and that roads are essential for these purposes.
Case against: Opponents might argue that this broad reference could be interpreted to prioritize resource extraction over conservation, potentially undermining environmental protections, especially when combined with the nullification of the Roadless Rule.
Estimated impact: This provision reinforces a broad interpretation of forest management that includes resource extraction and active intervention, potentially influencing management decisions across the entire National Forest System.