The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill Friday that would open national forests — including Los Padres National Forest — for mandated logging to finance public schools and roads in nearby communities, which receive minimal tax dollars because they are located on federal lands. Advocates say the bill would create jobs and prevent wildfires, while opponents — including Rep. Lois Capps, who voted against it — argue it would wreak havoc on environmental protections. President Obama said he would veto the bill if it gets to his desk.
