The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced plans to repeal the 2001 Roadless Rule nationwide, a decision with implications for Southeast Alaska and the Tongass National Forest.
Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan support the move, saying it will help unlock economic opportunities in the region. The Roadless Rule restricts road construction and development in certain national forest areas, including large portions of the Tongass.
“The Roadless Rule has never fit Alaska,” said Murkowski. “Even with its repeal, nearly 80 percent of the Tongass will remain off-limits to development under other protections.” She emphasized that removing the rule would support efforts to grow renewable energy, tourism, and other industries in Southeast Alaska.
Sullivan said the rule has limited access to resources and increased costs for energy and infrastructure projects in isolated communities. “This decision puts Alaskans back in control of managing our lands and building our economy,” he said.
The Tongass is the largest national forest in the U.S., covering nearly 16.7 million acres and home to 32 island communities.
Critics of the rule have argued it restricts access to timber, mining, and hydropower development.
The USDA’s repeal process is expected to include environmental review and public input. No timeline for final action has been announced.
