Forest Litigation Reform Act: Faster Decisions, Fewer Lawsuits
This act changes how disputes over forest management, especially on public lands, are resolved. It aims to speed up decision-making processes and reduce lengthy court battles, which could impact timber availability, fire protection, and overall forest health. Citizens might see quicker implementation of forest plans and potentially lower costs associated with forest management.
Key points
No attorney fees for those suing the government over forest management activities, potentially discouraging lawsuits.
Courts must consider short- and long-term effects of forest actions when reviewing requests to halt work, and temporary injunctions are limited to 60 days unless renewed.
Establishes a pilot arbitration program for certain objections to forest management activities, aiming to resolve conflicts faster outside of court.
Arbitrator decisions will be binding and generally not subject to further judicial review, with the arbitration process limited to 90 days.
Expired
Citizen Poll