Environmental Rules Waived For Proposed Border Wall

Environmental Rules Waived For Proposed Border Wall

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President Donald Trump’s plan for a U.S.-Mexico border wall seems to be moving forward.

Last week, the Department of Homeland Security announced plans to lift environmental rules to build a 15-mile segment of the border wall in San Diego. The waiver exempts the border construction from complying 37 rules, including the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act and the Clean Water Act.

The Center for Biological Diversity, along with Rep. Raul Grijalva, sued DHS in April for not determining the environmental impact of the border wall. According to the Center’s study, at least 93 species at risk of extinction would potentially be affected and habitats for 25 species would be degraded or destroyed.

The George W. Bush Administration similarly lifted regulations five times previously. To discuss the potential environmental impact, we speak with Brain Segee, a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity.