SUCCESS!  HOUSE PASSES ANDREWS-CHABOT AMENDMENT TO END LOGGING SUBSIDIES IN TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST

Since 1982, over $40 million in tax dollars has been spent each year to build roads for private companies to harvest timber in the Tongass National Forest in Alaska. I am happy to report that an amendment I introduced to prohibit federal funding for these projects in the Tongass Forest passed the House.  On a vote of 237-141, a bipartisan group of members struck a blow for fiscal and environmental responsibility.  They decided that the government’s responsibility is to the taxpayers, not to special interests.

Our work is unfortunately not done.  The bill now heads over to the Senate for their consideration.  It is my sincere hope that my amendment will be included in the Senate version. 

I’ve included below an AP article outlining the issue, my amendment, and the battle that ensued on the House floor.  I hope you enjoy it.

~Rob

U.S. House approves halting new logging roads
The Associated Press
May 18, 2006

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - The U.S. House of Representatives voted Thursday to limit federal spending on logging roads in the Tongass National Forest.

The provision, added as an amendment to the FY2007 Interior appropriations bill, would block spending on roads meant to be used by private companies for logging operations.

Reps. Steven Chabot, R-Ohio, and Robert Andrews, D-N.J., sponsored the amendment

The congressmen twice have tried to pass nearly identical amendments. They describe the subsidized road building in the Tongass as wasteful government spending.

The 237-to-181 vote was cheered by conservation groups.

Alaska Rainforest Campaign legislative director Caitlin Hills said the vote was "a major step toward saving our last great rainforest and saving taxpayer money as well."

Seventy-nine tourism-dependent businesses in Southeast Alaska also backed the amendment in a petition.

Owen Graham, executive director of the Alaska Forest Association, said local sawmills already are operating below capacity and any reduction in the amount of timber would be felt.

"Their total timber sale program (for 2007) was much less than we needed," he said. "Any reduction obviously will hurt."

U.S. Forest Service spokesman Ray Massey said the amendment would harm timber-dependent communities and businesses.

A federal appeals court last year ruled the agency's timber demand projections in the Tongass Land Management Plan flawed and ordered new studies be done.

Massey said that process is under way and should be given a chance to work.

Before the Chabot-Andrews amendment can take effect, it would have to be added to the Senate version of the Interior appropriation or approved in conference committee.

Return to the Washington Updates Page