Map Shows States Where Drinking Water Protections Face Change
Summary
A new study shows that the Roadless Area Conservation Rule protects drinking water supplies for at least 25 million Americans by limiting road building and logging on about 60 million acres of national forest land. The Trump administration is working to remove these protections, which could harm water quality, wildlife, and recreational areas.Key Facts
- The Roadless Area Conservation Rule was created in 2001 to limit road construction and logging in certain forest areas.
- These protected areas cover around 60 million acres of national forest land.
- They help safeguard over 80,000 miles of streams and rivers in the lower 48 states.
- The protected watersheds provide drinking water to more than 25 million people.
- The rule was made by the U.S. Forest Service, not Congress, so future administrations can change it.
- Removing the rule could reduce water quality, raise drinking water costs, and harm wildlife habitats.
- States like California, Colorado, and New Mexico have many people who rely on water from these protected forests.
- The Trump administration proposed rescinding the rule in June 2025 to allow more road building and logging.
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