Juneau -- The Alaska Senate late Wednesday joined the House of Representatives in passing House Joint Resolution 54, sponsored by Representative Bill Williams. HJR 54 protests the inclusion of Alaska's Chugach and Tongass National Forests in President Clinton's proposed plan to end further roadbuilding in the National Forest System.

"There are several reasons for us to object to this scheme, the first of which is that it is illegal," Williams said. "The clear intent of Congress in ANILCA is that Congress will oversee further land withdrawal proposals regarding Alaska.

"The second reason is that it essentially throws out the Tongass Land Management Plan, which cost taxpayers over $13 million and 10 years of effort," Williams said. "This attack is yet another attempt to circumvent proper forest management practice for the sake of political posturing."

"The third reason is that we are, right now, spending time and money on a plan for the Chugach National Forest, which has been subject to a catastrophic spruce bark beetle infestation," Williams said. "Many forestry professionals say this infestation is likely to continue unabated if the policy is implemented. This is a regional issue with regional effects, and it ought to be debated and solved on a regional basis."

The Senate approved HJR 54 by a 16-4 vote. Upon reconsideration Thursday, the Senate passed the measure 17-3.