Federal policy change sparks debate over Alaska's Tongass

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Critics and proponents are debating the merits of changes to federal environmental policy, including the effects on management of Alaska’s Tongass National Forest.

The largest U.S. national forest will probably be impacted by the Trump administration’s recent revisions to the National Environmental Policy Act, Alaska’s Energy Desk reported Wednesday.

Supporters have said the changes streamline a regulatory process that hampers development on federal lands.

Natalie Dawson, executive director of Audubon Alaska, said the updates engender less public engagement, which was a f...