Attorney General Lockyer Blasts Bush Blueprint for Cutting Down More Trees and Degrading Wildlife Habitats in Sierra Nevada National Forests

January 23, 2004
04-011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(916) 324-5500

(SACRAMENTO) – Attorney General Bill Lockyer issued the following statement on the final revision to the Sierra Nevada National Forest Framework Plan issued today by the U.S. Forest Service:

"Once again, the Bush White House has demonstrated its continued disregard for the environment and willingness to sacrifice natural resources Californians cherish.

"In approving this revision, the Administration abandoned a Framework that resulted from more than a decade of planning, study and public review – and was never given a chance to work. Under the guise of addressing fire risk, the revised Framework will substantially increase commercial logging, endanger wildlife habitats and weaken water quality protections and grazing limitations."

The Forest Service's plan failed to address objections raised by Lockyer, other elected officials, the California Resources Agency and a host of environmental groups. Lockyer contends the revision violates federal environmental laws. He said he would continue to oppose the plan in administrative proceedings and, if necessary, in the courts.