Energy & Environment

Biden moves to protect old-growth trees

by Rachel Frazin - 12/19/23 6:05 PM ET

Energy & Environment

The Big Story

USDA proposes plan aiming to bolster old-growth forests

The Biden administration on Tuesday took a step aimed at protecting old-growth forests.

©AP Photo/Rick Bowmer

Studies have shown that old-growth trees are particularly effective at sequestering carbon dioxide and thereby lessening climate change.

The administration proposed a plan to modify land management for the National Forest System.

The proposal has apparent limitations on cutting down old-growth trees — saying lands can’t be managed with the primary intention of logging them for economic reasons.

The administration also said it would incorporate a “national intent” to maintain and improve old-growth forests.

David Dreher, senior manager for public lands at the National Wildlife Federation, said the establishment of the national intent is particularly important as it can help to “guide” on-the-ground decisions made by Forest Service employees.

Read more in a full report at TheHill.com.

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