Wyoming and the Colorado Mining Association argue the rule violates the 1964 Wilderness Act, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture did not follow National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, regulations.
Wyoming attorneys argue the definition of roadless lands is synonymous with wilderness lands. The 1964 Wilderness Act states only Congress can designate wilderness lands.
More than 1 million comments were received, and the comment period lasted 69 days. NEPA requires a minimum of 45 days, but Wyoming Senior Assistant Attorney General James Kaste said comments periods usually last years longer.
Kaste said Wednesday that the USDA shortened the comment period because it was rushing the plan through before the end of the Clinton administration.
In the interim, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack was given sole decision-making authority over proposed forest management or road construction projects in roadless areas.
Sounds to me like WY and CO way have a case, sure hope they do.
Sounds to me like WY and CO way have a case, sure hope they do.
Thank you!