Congresswoman Hageman Introduces Bill to Nullify the 2001 Clinton Roadless Rule

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (R-WY) introduced legislation to nullify the 2001 Clinton Roadless Rule and restore active, responsible forest management on National Forest System Lands.

Original cosponsors include Representatives Troy Downing (R-MT), Celeste Maloy (R-UT), Pete Stauber (R-MN), and Tom Tiffany (R-WI).

"For decades, the Roadless Rule has blocked access, prevented active management, and increased the risk of catastrophic wildfires across the West," said Rep. Hageman. "This outdated administrative rule contradicts the will of Congress and undermines the U.S. Forest Service's mandate to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of our nation's forests and grasslands. My legislation brings forest policy back in line with the law, restores active management, reduces wildfire threats, and supports the rural economies that depend on responsible timber production and land stewardship."

"The 2001 Roadless Rule was never about conservation," said Representative Pete Stauber (MN-08). "In reality, it was a dangerous backdoor attempt to lock up our public lands. As a result, for over two decades, a vast amount of our public lands was cut off from proper forest management, responsible resource development, and recreation access for the American people. I am grateful that the Trump Administration took the proper steps to repeal this rule last year, and I am proud to stand with the people of Northern Minnesota today to prevent future administrations from implementing similar dangerous regulations moving forward. I want to thank Representative Hageman for her continued leadership and tireless work to end this harmful policy once and for all."

"The Roadless Rule has been a disaster for public lands and forest management. It restricts road construction and even maintenance across 85 million acres of federal forestland-hindering access, wildfire prevention, and responsible stewardship. Representative Hageman's bill is a much-needed reform to repeal this misguided policy and prevent future administrations from reinstating it. Passing this bill would be a major win for sound forest management, local communities, and the productive use of our public lands,"stated Frank Garrison, Environment & Natural Resources Attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation.

"We strongly support Rep. Hageman's legislation and are grateful for her commonsense leadership and approach to public lands. The Roadless Rule is based on the false notion that doing nothing is the best way to protect our forests. This passive management paradigm has failed our landscapes and our communities. The Roadless Rule should be eliminated so we can get back to thoughtful, intentional, science-based management of our lands and resources," stated Travis Joseph, President and CEO of the American Forest Resource Council.

"BlueRibbon Coalition has been fighting against the Roadless Rule since it was adopted in 2001. After 25 years, this experiment in regulatory overreach has proven to be a disaster for our national forests, which have turned into millions of acres of burn scars. We were promised that our National Forest System lands would be actively managed for multiple-use - not as wilderness preserves. Roads provide access for active management and recreation, and this legislation will send a clear signal to the U.S. Forest Service that they need to keep the original promise of our National Forest System," stated Ben Burr, Executive Director of BlueRibbon Coalition.

Background:

In June 2025, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is rescinding the 2001 Clinton Roadless Rule.

USDA's action advances President Trump's Executive Order, Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation, which directs federal agencies to eliminate overcomplicated, burdensome regulations that stifle American business and innovation.

Rep. Hageman's legislation builds on that action by codifying the repeal into law, ensuring that future administrations cannot reinstate this restrictive rule. In addition to nullifying the rule, the bill specifically directs road construction to support missions such as timber harvesting, watershed management, and wildfire prevention.

The Clinton Roadless Rule was designed to deny access, management, and use to 58.5 million acres of National Forest Service lands. This was done in violation of the 1897 Organic Act, Wilderness Act, and National Environmental Policy Act.

Nullifying the 2001 Roadless Rule will enhance forest management and economic opportunities for Wyoming. By removing restrictions on road construction and timber harvesting in previously protected areas, the repeal allows for more active forest management. This will lead to improved forest health, reduced wildfire risks, reduced insect infestations, and the creation of jobs in sectors like logging, construction, and maintenance.