Detail for 2006 House Roll Call Vote 151

League of Conservation Voters

Salvage Logging.

Scientists have found that logging forests after fires and weather events not only impedes forest recovery but could damage ecosystems and actually increase fire risk. Nevertheless, Representative Greg Walden (R-OR) introduced H.R. 4200, the deceptively titled Forest Emergency Recovery and Research Act, to expedite logging in national forests. The bill denies protections to roadless areas, old-growth forests, critical wildlife habitat and other important areas. It also exempts logging projects from the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which requires meaningful public involvement and the use of the best available science to determine appropriate actions. In addition, the bill waives the Clean Water Act, the National Historic Preservation Act and any other act that requires consultation prior to project implementation. Finally, H.R. 4200 creates incentives that could shift Forest Service efforts away from much-needed community protection and forest restoration toward destructive logging. The House approved H.R. 4200.

League of Private Property Voters

EXPEDITE SALVAGE LOGGING.

HR 4200: Salvage Logging - Passage of the bill that would expedite projects to rehabilitate federal land after catastrophic events, such as fires, floods, or other disasters. Timber harvesting would be allowed on damaged land when trees are dead, down, or broken after a disaster; there is a high probability that the trees will die within five years; or when trees have to be removed for public safety. The bill would permit the two agencies to assist state and local governments in restoring non-federal land after a disaster.

Republicans for Environmental Protection

Expedite salvage logging in national forests after a wildfire or other natural disturbance.

H.R. 4200, a bill by Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR) to expedite salvage logging in national forests after a wildfire or other natural disturbance.