YUMA, ARIZ.— Yesterday, the Department of Homeland Security announced that it will waive numerous federal laws to facilitate the rapid construction of President Trump’s border wall. The waivers are for the construction of 6.5 miles of new fencing and 27.5 miles of replacement fencing in the vicinity of Yuma. In response, Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva issued the following statement:

“The Trump Administration consistently stoops to new lows when it comes to building the President’s vanity wall—even if it endangers the public health of our communities and the environment we call home. By waiving landmark environmental laws like the Clean Air Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the Endangered Species Act, President Trump is sending a clear message to border residents: his political agenda is more important than their homes, health, and livelihoods.

“I remain committed to fighting for the borderlands and ensuring that Trump’s useless wall never becomes a reality. Laws exist to protect the health and well-being of border communities and should not be waived to cater to the whims of an unhinged president.”

Rep. Grijalva filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration in April 2017 demanding that they conduct an in-depth study into the potential negative environmental impacts of a border wall. If successful, it will mandate the Trump Administration to conduct the environmental study and thoroughly explain the negative environmental impacts of his proposed wall before construction begins.

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