Land Agency’s Timber Salvage Rule Draws Lawsuit by Green Groups

The Trump administration’s rule aimed at streamlining timber salvage projects was issued in violation of environmental law, and it will destroy forest ecosystems reborn after wildfires and other damage, according to a new lawsuit filed in federal court in Oregon.

The Bureau of Land Management failed to prepare an environmental impact statement or environmental assessment when it issued the final Salvage CX rule in December, environmental groups told the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. The agency also failed to consider alternatives to the rule, according to the lawsuit filed Tuesday.

The new categorical exclusion, or CX, exempts ...