Presidential Appointee Overrides Environmental Law

Michael Chertoff, the homeland security chief, a presidential appointee, made the sole decision yesterday, to override environmental law and allow construction of a wall through the San Pedro Riparian Wilderness area, which is adjacent to the Mexico border.

Mr Chertoff claimed that the environmental damage caused by illegal immigrants was greater than the environmental impact of a wall on migrant wildlife.

The AZ Daily Star reports that:

The move puts an end to a legal battle that had begun on Oct. 10 when U.S. District Judge Ellen Huvelle issued a temporary restraining order for construction in the area in response to an appeal submitted by Defenders of Wildlife and the Sierra Club.

The Defenders of Wildlife describe the San Pedro River within the Wilderness Area as:

The San Pedro River is one of the last free-flowing rivers in the southwestern United States, and one of the few perennial streams flowing from the mountains of Mexico into the United States.  Its natural beauty and diverse wildlife attract visitors from around the globe. The conservation area through which it runs is one of America’s most unique and biologically diverse areas. The San Pedro region has been designated as a World Heritage Natural Area by the United Nations World Heritage program. Some 250 species of migratory birds have been recorded in the area, which led to its designation as a Globally Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society, American Bird Conservancy, and the International Commission for Environmental Cooperation.

Some people have pointed out that a wall may not affect birds, but the endangered black panther and pygmy owls would definately be affected.

Aside from the uniqueness and beauty of the San Pedro River Wilderness Area, there is, of course, the other political issue to be considered.  

Gabrielle Giffords, the Republican lite, Sierra Club endorsed, DCCC anointed Dem primary candidate, became the Democratic winner in AZ 08 in 2006.  Her position?
The Sierra Vista Herald tells us:
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., whose district includes the river, does not support repeal of Chertoff’s power.

"Border security has to be a top concern in a state like this," said C.J. Karamargin, Giffords’ press aide. He said the congresswoman believes federal officials "should have the tools they need to do the job."

Well sure, unless they're in the Bush administration.

So, if it were the weekend, and I could spend more time, I'd give you more links.  But please know, that the San Diego fires are not the only environmental disaster occurring now.

Here's the New York Times article with a current minimalist overview.

Peace