Supreme Court Hints It Might Hear Appeal on Regulation of Forest Roads

Attorney Generals from 26 states have joined with scores of national, regional, and state forestry organizations in asking the Supreme Court to overturn an Oregon Appellant Court Decision that could require EPA permits to build or repair forest roads.

If left standing, the Oregon decision would overturn 35 years of regulatory treatment of forest roads as “non-point” water runoff currently regulated by state agencies through EPA-sanctioned Best Management Practices (BMPs).

Although there is no assurance that the Supreme Court will review the Oregon case, forestry forces were encouraged by a request from the High Court for a review of the appeals petitions by the U.S. Solicitor General.

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