Rep. Doggett Condemns Trump's Attempt to Waive Environmental Protections in Big Bend National Park

Contact: Luis Botello Faz

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin) released the following statement in response to the Department of Homeland Security waiving 28 federal environmental and historic preservation laws in Big Bend National Park to construct new, obtrusive, border barrier technology and roads.

"Waiving dozens of federal environmental protections in Big Bend National Park—a true crown jewel of Texas—will damage the park's natural environment, increase flash flooding along the border, and choke off wildlife corridors,” said Rep. Doggett. “Billions of taxpayer dollars are being wasted on this unnecessary project, as Big Bend's rugged mountains make illegal crossings nearly impossible, with crossings in the area accounting for under half a percentage point of all illegal border crossings nationwide last year. After months of bipartisan opposition, the Trump regime continues to distract and confuse the public while quietly moving forward with this construction. Texans across party lines agree: protect Big Bend, stop the wall.” 

After plans for this construction were made public earlier this year, Rep. Doggett led colleagues, including all Texas Congressional Democrats and House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman, in demanding immediate answers from Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin regarding this project. You can find that letter below. 

In their response, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated that they would continue to coordinate with the National Park Service and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, as well as solicit public feedback throughout their planning process. This latest move to waive federal environmental and historic preservation laws directly contradicts their previous commitment. You can read their full response below.

Full letter can be read here.

CBP response here.

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