USDA Secretary Announces Intent to Repeal roadless Rule, Sparking Controversy

Santa Fe, NM – United States department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins announced on June 23, 2025, that the agency intends to repeal the 2001 “Roadless Rule,” a decision that has ignited a firestorm of criticism from environmental groups and sparked debate among Western governors [[1]].

What the Roadless Rule Entails

The Roadless Rule, officially known as the 2001 Roadless Area conservation Rule, currently protects 58 million acres of national forest land from road construction and logging, aiming to preserve the ecological integrity and wilderness character of these areas [[2]]. This regulation has been a cornerstone of conservation efforts for over two decades.

Did You Know? The Forest Service received 1.6 million comments in favor of the Roadless Rule when it was being considered, marking a record for public engagement on a proposed rule.

Rollins’ Rationale for Repeal

Secretary Rollins, speaking at the Western Governors’ Association meeting, argued that repealing the Roadless Rule would protect forests against wildfires and stimulate the logging industry. She stated that the change would allow for more “logs on trucks,” aligning with the management’s goal of revitalizing logging in federal forests.

Rollins asserted that “the heavy hand of washington will no longer inhibit the management of our nation’s forests.”

Environmental Concerns and Opposition

Environmental groups, including New Mexico Wild and the Climate Forests Campaign, have strongly condemned the proposed repeal. They argue that stripping these protections could devastate public lands, drinking water sources, and wildlife habitats. The Climate Forests Campaign warned that the repeal “threatens to increase wildfires,” a claim supported by data indicating that human-caused fire ignitions are more likely in areas with roads.

Pro Tip: Stay informed about public comment periods related to the Roadless Rule repeal and make your voice heard.

In New Mexico, approximately 1.6 million acres of national forest land are currently protected under the Roadless Rule. A significant portion of this land, nearly a quarter of the Gila National forest, could be impacted by the repeal [[3