[CPEO-MEF] Don't abrogate environmental regulations

[CPEO Moderator <cpeo@cpeo.org>]

Our Opinion: Don't abrogate environmental regulations
Tucson Citizen
March 27, 2003

Two major federal agencies want to run roughshod over virtually all
environmental laws and regulations, claiming sweeping exemptions are
needed in the name of national security.

And while isolated and narrow exemptions certainly are necessary, there
is no need to abrogate all regulations with no assurance that would make
this country any safer.

The exemptions are being sought by the Departments of Homeland Security
and Defense.

In a recent congressional hearing in Sells, law enforcement agencies and
the Border Patrol, now part of the Department of Homeland Security, said
controlling drug trafficking and illegal immigration would require
suspension of environmental laws.

Members of Congress who held the hearing discussed a 2-mile-wide zone of
"exceptions" along the border where environmental laws would not be
enforced.

Law enforcement authorities, without being specific, said environmental
regulations often impede their work.

This article can be viewed at:
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/opinion/3_27_03op.html

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