Yes, I know there have been several diaries on this already, but we must keep trying to get everyone's attention off the UK elections and on to something that is going to have a direct, severe impact on the West -- Bush's rule change that will open up millions of acres of Western national forests to road building. What is really important is that
all is not lost -- Western governors have eighteen months to file objections to the rule. This is an opportunity to mobilize the coalition of environmentalists, the tourism industry, and even ranchers that is the backbone of the emerging Democratic coalition in the West.
Here in Colorado, our Democratic controlled state legislature has already gotten Republican Governor Owens to work with their task force that will study the Bush plan and recommend objections. Colorado environmentalists are sounding the right notes:
"There's a lot of important lands at stake here," said Steve Smith, assistant regional director of the Wilderness Society.
Smith said because Colorado was such a popular state for recreation, losing roadless areas could mean losing dollars.
"People come here to photograph, hike ... look at views from their hotel balcony," he said.
This is an excellent opportunity to prove a lot of things, starting with destroying the idea that environmentalism is something Easterners impose on Westerners, then moving on to challenge the idea that environmentalism is bad for the economy and quality of life for Westerners.
It is also an opportunity to show that a coalition exists in the West that will support progressive politicians who support the environment. If you live in a Western state with a Democratic governor, contact him or her and encourage them to save your state's roadless forest land! (Yes, this will be a real test of the environmental credentials, or lack thereof, of Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano.) And in Colorado, you can support the Democratic legislature's efforts to influence Governor Owens and help make protecting Colorado's forests an issue in the 2006 governor's race. Owens could be shamed into supporting protection in order to avoid sinking whatever Republican gets the party's nomination, and whatever Democrat gets the nomination must be required to support defending our forests as well.
This battle is not over, and the fight could help strengthen the Democratic Party in the West.