Twenty-Six Federal Laws Swept Aside For The New Section Of Border Wall By Biden Admin!
Biden Admin: The Biden administration’s decision to waive 26 federal laws for the construction of a new section of the border wall in Texas has raised significant environmental concerns. These laws, designed to protect wildlife and public health, have been swept aside to expedite the building of the wall.
Environmental Consequences That Leads To The Decision
The waived laws encompass critical regulations, including the Clean Air Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. The construction of the border wall in Starr County, Texas, raises alarm bells as it cuts through fragile ecosystems, endangering both wildlife and public health. This region is home to endangered species like the Ocelot, a spotted wild cat, and various plants within the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
Bypassing Environmental Reviews
The most concerning aspect of these waivers is the bypassing of environmental review processes. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can now proceed with the construction without assessing the potential environmental impact or obtaining permits to prevent pollution and hazardous substance discharge.
Construction Challenges
Beyond the wall itself, the construction process poses its own set of environmental challenges. Building work camps, waste management, and the influx of employees will not be subject to environmental laws, thanks to these broad waivers. Wetlands and stream systems may be affected without undergoing a proper review process.
Contradictory Stance
The decision to waive these laws starkly contradicts President Biden’s earlier promises to halt border wall construction. During his election campaign, he vowed, “There will not be another foot of wall construction in my administration.” However, this move represents a dramatic reversal of that stance.
Biden Administration’s Justification
The DHS Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, stated that there is an “acute and immediate need” for physical barriers and roads to prevent unlawful entries into the United States, citing high illegal entry statistics in the Starr County region. The funds for this construction were allocated in a congressional appropriation in 2019, leading to the utilization of executive power to fast-track the project.
Environmental Advocates’ Concerns
Environmental advocates argue that the border wall’s construction will traverse public lands, destroying habitats of endangered plants and animals like the ocelot. Laiken Jordahl, a southwest conservation advocate, expressed concerns about the wall obstructing wildlife migrations and causing significant damage to wildlife refuge lands.
The announcement of these waivers has ignited political debate, with Democrats opposing what they consider wasteful spending on an ineffective border wall. They argue that a secure wall is essential for maintaining border control and preventing illegal immigration.
