USDA advances Roadless Rule repeal; advocates, lawmakers say it puts 400,000 acres in Va. at risk

The USDA plans to repeal the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which protects millions of acres nationwide; opponents warn that in Virginia, this repeal could open an estimated 400,000 acres in forest to development. Supporters view the move as a way to improve wildfire management and economic development on public lands, while groups like the Southern Environmental Law Center are concerned about environmental degradation and impact on watersheds.