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An Environmental Tip from Expert Michael Chertoff |
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Environmentalists in both Mexico and the United States are voicing their concerns over the environmental impact of the Southwest Border Fence. It seems passage of the REAL ID Act, which waives certain laws if such an action is “necessary to ensure expeditious construction of the barriers and roads in this section,” voided the National Environmental Policy Act.
If the NEPA were not dismissed from the Border Wall’s construction, it would have required the government to conduct an environmental impact analysis before it began the project. But it was, so it didn’t.
What those adverse consequences will be is clear to environmentalists, who predict problems for species such as the Mexican Gray wolf, the black bear, and the jaguar.
But all this concern is misplaced, assured U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff. It turns out that, in his analysis, the wall will actually benefit the environment.
“Illegal migrants really degrade the environment. I’ve seen pictures of human waste, garbage, discarded bottles, and other human artifacts in pristine areas … believe me, that is the worst thing you can do to the environment.”
Just as a general rule, never believe a government official when they follow up a comment with “believe me.” Especially if they are the Secretary of Homeland Security and they’re talking about environmental degradations.
Well, as an environmentalist, I can say with confidence that invading Iraq made us safer and prevented 9/11 times 10 from happening on U.S. soil. Trust me, I’ve read articles.
Michael Chertoff’s lies and abuses of power have had devastating effects in the southwest already. His BS on the impacts to the San Pedro River- and the assertion that building the wall was the equivalent of choosing between a lizard and human life- were wildly popular with racists who want the wall built.
But, a quick clarification- the REAL ID waivers have only been invoked three times and do not cover the entirety of the wall. Chertoff will have to invoke it in each and every project. He just might. But, if you can participate in public processes about sections of the wall, please do.
Grijalva’s Borderlands Conservation and Security Act of 2007 would repeal Section 102 of the REAL ID Act. Getting your congressional rep to support it would be helpful.
For real.
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