The US Department of Agriculture has filed a proposal to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule (a 2001 regulation that bans road construction and logging across nearly 45 million acres of national forest land), citing the need to reduce wildfire risk and empower local land managers. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins submitted the proposal on Tuesday, arguing that "outdated restrictions" have blocked forest treatments that could improve forest health and protect communities. Environmental groups contest the move, pointing to research showing wildfires are four times more likely to start near roads than in roadless areas, and warning that opening these lands to development could harm habitat for wildlife including jaguars and spotted owls. The public has until 21 September to comment on the proposal.