Economic Benefits of NREPA

NREPA makes solid economic as well as environmental sense. Millions of taxpayer dollars are spent each year subsidizing the clearcutting of our national forests in the Northern Rockies. People live and work in the Northern Rockies because of its natural beauty. The economic vitality of the Northern Rockies states is dependent on their high quality natural environment, not the declining extractive industries. Further damage to these pristine areas threatens the economic base of the region. Protecting these lands will create more jobs than if they are degraded.

"Our economic future is tied to protecting the unique qualities of the natural landscape in the Northern Rockies"
—Dr. Thomas Power, Chairman, Economics Department, University of Montana

• NREPA provides a net savings of more than $245 million over the first ten years after passage by prohibiting below-cost roadbuilding and timber sale programs within sensitive roadless areas.
  
• NREPA won’t “lock up” public lands. Approximately 50% of publicly managed lands in the region will be managed for sustainable uses.


• NREPA protects the economic base of the region: clean water, wildlife, fish, recreation, jobs and the unsurpassed natural beauty.


• NREPA creates more than 2,300 jobs restoring damaged lands and watersheds––good wage jobs that restore wildlife and fish habitat and add to economic growth.


• NREPA is based on sound science, sustainable economic models and environmental law that will provide long-term stability that is vital to intelligent economic planning and prosperity.

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