The administration plans to reorganize the Forest Service despite a court setback
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Thursday the Trump administration remains “full-bore ahead” with a Forest Service reorganization, although a court order has halted it while litigation proceeds. The plan would move headquarters from Washington to Salt Lake City, close 23 research stations, and replace many regional offices with state offices. The administration is appealing the ruling.
More context
During a media call Thursday, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the administration believes in the reorganization “more today than we ever have,” describing it as bringing the department closer to rural constituents and the Forest Service out West. Under the proposal, Forest Service headquarters would shift west from Washington to Salt Lake City, 23 research stations would shut, and many regional offices would become state offices.
A federal judge in California halted the plan in an Oct. 13 order while opponents’ lawsuit proceeds. Judge Vince Chhabria said the planned spending almost certainly violated congressional restrictions on agency funds. Unions, environmental groups and local officials argue the changes are intended to shrink the federal workforce; the National Federation of Federal Employees called the ruling a “welcome reprieve.” The administration has appealed, though the court order remains in effect.
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Reporting
- ua.news — Rollins says US Forest Service reform will continue — The Hill | UA.NEWS
- advocate-news.com — Agriculture secretary says Forest Service reorganization is a go
- The Hill — Trump administration moves forward with Forest Service overhaul
- KGW 8 Portland — Agriculture secretary says agency is “full-bore ahead” on Forest Service reorganization
- Orange County Register — Agriculture secretary says Forest Service reorganization is ...
Verifier’s note
The results report that Rollins would press ahead with the Forest Service reorganization despite a court order halting it, matching the proposed event and its timing. Results dailypress.com and redlandsdailyfacts.com only mention the story in unrelated material.