DEBRIS.COMgood for a laugh, or possibly an aneurysm

Earlier this month, Bush repealed the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, opening up nearly 60 million acres of formerly protected national forests to the possibility of development.

Arnold Schwarzenegger declared on May 5 that California’s roadless lands would remain protected:

California’s forests are one of our state’s most treasured and valued resources. I am committed to protecting the vibrant health and sustainable future of our forests. In keeping with that commitment and the assurances we have from the U.S. Forest Service, roadless areas in California will remain roadless.

This is a big win for generations of Californians and the state’s remaining 4.4M acres of forest land. And it’s a curious turnaround for Schwarzenegger, who previously said he wouldn’t do what he just did.

Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Utah governors: we’re looking at you.

For more information, see the Chron’s piece on this issue, Bush carves up the backcountry (in which George Bush is dubbed “Chainsaw in Chief”).