since these 'regulations' would change the guidelines set forth in the 1976 National Forest Management Act, wouldn't it require a bill legislated through Congress?
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New forest plan would lessen restraints
By Matthew Daly, Associated Press Writer | December 22, 2004
WASHINGTON -- Managers of the nation's 155 national forests will have
more discretion to approve logging and other commercial projects
without lengthy environmental reviews under a new Bush administration
initiative, The Associated Press has learned.
The long-awaited rules overhaul application of the landmark 1976
National Forest Management Act, which sets guidelines for managing
191 million acres of national forests and grasslands and protecting
wildlife there.
~snip~
The plan includes some of the most contentious parts of an earlier
proposal. Like that version, the final plan gives regional forest
managers more discretion to approve logging, drilling and mining
operations without having to conduct formal scientific investigations
known as environmental impact statements.
~snip~
Environmentalists also said they were troubled the plan relaxes a
requirement to protect fish and wildlife in national forests so
species do not become threatened or endangered. Instead, the rules
assert an overarching goal to "maintain healthy, diverse and
resilient" ecosystems and species native to forest lands.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2004/12/22/new_forest_plan_would_lessen_restraints/
http://makeashorterlink.com/?I4CD5161A