HB7695 represents a fundamental reversal of federal roadless area conservation policy by nullifying the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and mandating new road construction in National Forest System lands. The bill seeks to eliminate protections that have prevented road construction and certain commercial activities in approximately 58.5 million acres of inventoried roadless areas within the National Forest System. Rather than preserving these undeveloped areas in their natural state, the legislation directs the Secretary of Agriculture to actively construct roads in these previously protected zones. This represents a significant shift from conservation-focused forest management to a development-oriented approach that prioritizes access and resource extraction over wilderness preservation.

Who sponsored HR7695?

Harriet Hageman, Troy Downing, Celeste Maloy, Pete Stauber, Tom Tiffany

What is the status of HR7695?

Introduced as of February 25, 2026.

HB7695 represents a fundamental reversal of federal roadless area conservation policy by nullifying the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and mandating new road construction in National Forest System lands. The bill seeks to eliminate protections that have prevented road construction and certain commercial activities in approximately 58.5 million acres of inventoried roadless areas within the National Forest System. Rather than preserving these undeveloped areas in their natural state, the legislation directs the Secretary of Agriculture to actively construct roads in these previously protected zones. This represents a significant shift from conservation-focused forest management to a development-oriented approach that prioritizes access and resource extraction over wilderness preservation.

Who sponsored HR7695?

Harriet Hageman, Troy Downing, Celeste Maloy, Pete Stauber, Tom Tiffany

What is the status of HR7695?

Introduced as of February 25, 2026.

Amendment

119th Congress

H.R.7695

To provide that the final rule titled "Special Areas; Roadless Area Conservation" and issued on January 12, 2001 (66 Fed. Reg. 3244) shall have no force or effect and require the Secretary of Agriculture to construct certain roads on National Forest System lands, and for other purposes.

Introduced

H. R. 7695

Introduced in House · March 17, 2026

February 25, 2026

Ms. Hageman (for herself, Mr. Downing, Ms. Maloy, Mr. Stauber, and Mr. Tiffany) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

A BILL

To provide that the final rule titled “Special Areas; Roadless Area Conservation” and issued on January 12, 2001 (66 Fed. Reg. 3244) shall have no force or effect and require the Secretary of Agriculture to construct certain roads on National Forest System lands, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. Requirement for construction of certain roads on National Forest System lands.

(a) .—

HR7695 U.S. House: Federal HB7695 nullifies a 2001 rule on…