Nike and Other Outdoor Gear Makers Lobby for Roadless Rule
A coalition of large manufacturers of outdoor gear is lobbying in support of the so-called roadless rule, put in place by President Clinton to protect nearly 60 million acres of undeveloped national forest from road-building and other development. Organized by enviro groups, the coalition — including Nike, Adidas, Columbia Sportswear, and others — sent a letter to Agriculture Undersecretary Mark Rey this week urging him to preserve the rule. The Bush administration has made moves to weaken the rule. Said the letter: “The modifications to the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule have the potential to negatively impact our nation’s natural resources, our citizens’ outdoor experience, and ultimately, our industry’s financial health.”
