US Forest Service Chief Schultz's Timber Industry Background Sparks Controversy
The Donald Trump administration's effort to repeal a critical 2001 forest protection rule has raised potential conflicts of interest for Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz, a former timber industry lobbyist.
In the US, the Trump administration's plan to overturn a landmark regulation that has protected old-growth forests for 25 years has led to scrutiny of US Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz due to his past industry connections.
Plan to Repeal Protection Rule
The Donald Trump administration has announced plans to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, adopted in 2001, which limits development across approximately 45 million acres of national forest land.
Conflict of Interest Allegations
According to research by consumer advocacy organization Public Citizen, companies where US Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz previously worked as a lobbyist and executive would directly benefit if the rule is repealed.
Forest Service Chief's Background
Tom Schultz previously served as the president of the Federal Forest Resource Coalition and as vice president of resources and government affairs for the Idaho Forest Group, making him the first Forest Service chief not to come from within the agency.
Views of Advocates and Critics
While Schultz defends the move as the best way to secure forest health, critics and non-governmental organizations state that this policy will put hundreds of endangered species and ecosystems at risk.