The Trump administration has waived federal environmental and other laws to speed up the construction of gates and other infrastructure at a border wall in the US state of Texas, the Department of Homeland Security said in a press release on Wednesday.
WASHINGTON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 10th October, 2018) The Trump administration has waived Federal environmental and other laws to speed up the construction of gates and other infrastructure at a border wall in the US state of Texas, the Department of Homeland Security said in a press release on Wednesday.
"The Department of Homeland Security has issued a waiver to ensure the expeditious construction of gates in existing wall structure near the international border in the state of Texas," the release said.
The waiver will allow for the installation of 11 automated gates and other site improvements in border openings in the Rio Grande Valley Sector, the release said.
The decision eliminates the department's responsibility to comply with environmental and other laws in the area that could have prevented the construction, the release added.
However, DHS said it "remains committed to environmental stewardship" and will continue consulting with landowners and other stakeholders in the region.
Environmental activists have warned that any construction at the site could pose a threat to a nearby national wildlife refuge and harm endangered species.
