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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Neighborhoods Employment Guide Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend November 14, 2006 Congress has changed, but environmental issues haven't Whether direction changes remains to be seen, enviros and timber reps say By paul fattig Mail Tribune For Dominick DellaSala, the potential changes represented by last Tuesday's election couldn't be more dramatic for the future of public forestland management. "We just came through one of the darkest times in our nation's history on the environment, with many in the outgoing Congress having abysmal environmental records," said the executive director of the Ashland-based National Center for Conservation Science & Policy. "The election was a definite turning point for anyone who cares about the environment," he said. But Chris West doesn't believe the election will bring about major forest management change. Advertisement "A different party is in charge of solving these contentious public policy issues but the issues are the same," said the vice president of the American Forest Resource Council, which lobbies for industry causes. He defined those issues as ensuring streams are protected along with wildlife habit and economic needs of local communities. "I've been doing this for almost 20 years — I've seen Congress and state legislatures flip-flop," he said of election results. "The challenges are still there." Election results mean Democrats will control both the House and Senate when the 110th Congress convenes in January, enabling them to head up committees. For instance, when the Senate Democrats caucus today, U.S. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., is expected to become chairman of the Senate forestry subcommittee. U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, R-Hood River, was reelected in the 2nd Congressional District race but will be replaced as chairman of the Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health. His position will be filled by U.S. Rep. Thomas Udall, D-New Mexico. U.S. Rep. Richard Pombo, Republican chairman of the House Resources Committee who lost his bid for re-election, is expected to be replaced by Democrat Congressman Nick Rahall of West Virginia. Pombo was reviled by the environmental community, largely for leading the drive to change the Endangered Species Act. DellaSala sees those leadership changes as indicative of likely changes in direction, meaning there will be a greater focus on protecting the environment. "We've got some Democrats taking chairs that will be very good for the environment," he said. "It definitely was a net gain. He noted, however, that not all Republicans were opposed by the environmental community. For instance, Sen. Lincoln Chaffee, R-Rhode Island, who lost his re-election bid, was considered a moderate with a good environmental record, he observed. And he called for both parties to work together on environmental issues. "While the elections ousted some congressional members with terrible environmental records, the environment must become a bipartisan issue ..." DellaSala stressed. West, reiterating that he supports a sustainable future along with a healthy environment, said that proper management includes protecting both the environment and jobs. "Those are the issues that aren't going away," he said. "... The issues are the same and the solutions are generally the same," he added. "What this election does is put the responsibility on the Democrats." TIMBER BILL'S FATE IN LIMBO: A timber bill sparked by the delayed salvage following the 2002 Biscuit fire in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest may become the victim of a lame duck Congress. The Forest Emergency Recovery and Research Act (HR 4200), authored by U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, R-Hood River, is before the Senate after passing the House by a vote of 243 to 182 last spring. Co-authored by U.S. Reps. Brian Baird, D- Wash., and Stephanie Herseth, D-S.D., the bill is intended to speed the ability of federal forestland managers to make timber salvage decisions. It has been largely opposed by members of the environmental camp while supported by the timber industry. If there is no action on the bill this year, it likely would be reintroduced in the next session, said Dallas Boyd, Walden's press secretary. "There is no reason the bill wouldn't pass again if it is brought up," he said. "Greg has strong bipartisan support (on the bill)." There is a chance action could still be taken on the bill by the Senate this year, according to R.C. Hammond, spokesman for U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore. The senator has a companion bill in the Senate. "We're going to move the bill in the next available option," Hammond said. "The senator would like to see it voted on." Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Men's Clothing Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Discount Hotel Reservations Send Flowers Casinos Canada Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com