Congressman Filner Takes to the Floor to Defend Environmental Protections Along the Border
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- Created on Tuesday, 19 June 2012 19:49
- Written by Imperial Valley News
Washington, DC - During consideration of H.R. 2578, the Conservation and Economic Growth Act, Congressman Bob Filner spoke in opposition to a provision that would exempt the Department of Homeland Security from dozens of environmental, land use planning, and land management laws on public lands within 100 miles from the US border.
“This is a ridiculous provision that removes the protection of laws aimed at improving public health, providing clean drinking water and clean air and puts our border communities at risk-simply because these communities are within 100 miles of the border,” said Congressman Filner.
The provision has not been endorsed by the Department of Homeland Security. In fact, U.S. Customs and Border Protection testimony submitted for the July 8, 2011, subcommittee hearing on this bill, stated, “CBP enjoys a close working relationship with the Department of Interior (DOI) and Department of Agriculture (USDA) that allows us to fulfill our border enforcement responsibilities while respecting and enhancing the environment.”
The provision was the text of H.R. 1505, which was introduced by Congressman Rob Bishop of Utah. Congressman Filner represents California’s 51st Congressional District which runs the entire length of the California/ Mexico border.