McKinney calls on the Bush Administration to protect our
National Forests

(Decatur, GA) Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney today added her voice to growing bipartisan efforts to preserve the last remaining roadless areas of our National Forests. McKinney along with Representative John Lewis and others showed their support by co-sponsoring the Roadless Area Conservation Act, which was introduced by Representative Sherwood Boehlert (R-N.Y.) and Jay Inslee (D-Wash.). This important piece of legislation would codify the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, a sweeping conservation measure that received the public's overwhelming response to protect the last of America's wilderness.

"I am pleased to co-sponsor legislation that provides refuge for wildlife and promotes ecological sustainability. It is imperative that if we are going to protect the habitat and natural environment of countless species, it must be now, for tomorrow may be too late. By enforcing the roadless rule, millions of acres will be protected across the nation, including over 60,000 acres in the Oconee and Chatahoochee National Forests. These National Forests are our natural heritage and must be preserved as a legacy for future generations to enjoy," stated McKinney.

Previously, Representative McKinney has introduced the National Forest Protection and Restoration Act (H.R. 1494). This progressive bill would end the subsidizing of logging in our National Forests and redirect the subsidies that now pay for roads and clearcutting to pay for ecological restoration, research alternatives to wood and paper, and worker retraining.

"I strongly believe that it is time we stopped the timber lobbyists from taking advantage of the American people. Sometimes it is in our best interest to leave things in their natural state," concluded McKinney.