Trump Pushes to Repeal Roadless Rule, Endangering East Coast Forests

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What Could Unravel the Last Untouched Woodlands on the Atlantic Seaboard?

Washington’s effort to dismantle the federal “roadless rule” threatens to open the remaining pristine forests of the Atlantic seaboard to commercial logging. The Trump administration contends that loosening the regulation will generate jobs, but analysts warn that more than 30 % of the region’s old‑growth canopy—particularly in Maine and New Hampshire—could be lost.

Key Takeaways

Policy shift: The administration seeks to roll back the 2001 roadless rule, which has barred road construction and timber harvest in designated wilderness areas.
Economic argument: Officials argue that the change will spur job creation in timber and related industries.
Ecological risk: Experts estimate that the repeal could affect over 30 % of the remaining old‑growth forest canopy on the East Coast.
Geographic focus: Maine and New Hampshire house some of the most vulnerable stands, with limited alternatives for conservation.
Broader implications: The move signals a potential nationwide trend of prioritizing short‑term economic gains over long‑term ecosystem services and climate mitigation.