10th Circuit Blocks Roadless Opinion

By Kristin Espeland

Laramie, WY – This week, the 10th circuit court of appeals denied Attorney General Pat Crank's request to reinstate an opinion on national forests. That opinion from Judge Brimmer struck down a rule on roadless areas in national forests which former President Clinton signed just before leaving office. But when the Bush administration came out with its new rule the 10th circuit wiped Brimmer's opinion off the books because it didn't matter anymore. Now, California, New Mexico, Oregon and several environmental groups are challenging that Bush rule in the 9th circuit court of appeals. If they win, the Clinton-era roadless rule could return. And Wyoming's attorney general will not be able to point to the 10th circuit opinion to stop it.