Roadless Rule safeguards drinking water for 25 million Americans, study finds

A new study has found that the Roadless Rule plays a critical role in protecting drinking water sources for 25 million Americans. The rule restricts development activities in national forests, helping preserve the quality of water supplies in those regions. Experts warn that rolling back these protections could degrade water quality and drive up treatment costs for utility providers. Beyond water supply, the protected forest areas also provide habitat for sensitive aquatic species and support recreational use. The U.S. Forest Service is currently in the process of reviewing public feedback on the rule's future.