Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced on Mar. 11 that he joined eight other attorneys general in opposing a proposal by the U.S. Forest Service to change its process for public participation in decision-making about national forest projects.
The proposed rule would reduce opportunities for the public to comment on projects affecting access, recreation, and natural resources in national forests, including Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. The attorneys general argue that these changes could limit local communities’ ability to have input on decisions that impact their environment and quality of life.
According to the letter sent by Raoul and his counterparts, the proposed revisions would shorten some public comment periods by more than half, remove neutral reviewing officials from the process, and introduce new restrictions on how comments are submitted or considered. “National forests like our very own Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, are beautiful, natural treasures our local communities have an interest in protecting,” Raoul said. “Residents who enjoy the national forests and live nearby should have an opportunity to communicate their concerns and participate in Forest Service decisions that impact public lands.”
The Forest Service’s proposed changes include reducing comment timelines from 30 days to 10 days for certain projects and from 45 days to 20 days for others; eliminating neutral reviewers so project officials handle objections; changing where notices are published; imposing page limits on objections regarding environmental impacts; and allowing the agency to disregard comments unless they include specific recommendations or mitigation measures.
Raoul’s office has a history of advocating for vulnerable groups such as workers, immigrants, and seniors according to its official website. The office also handles thousands of consumer complaints each year according to its official website, aims to protect consumers and promote safer communities while advocating for environmental issues according to its official website, extends advocacy efforts across Illinois according to its official website, partners with law enforcement agencies according to its official website, and offers services such as complaint filing related to consumer fraud and civil rights according to its official website.
Joining Raoul in sending the letter were attorneys general from California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington.