CBP pauses work pending an on-site review after bulldozers tear through land near Santa Elena Canyon
AUSTIN, Texas — Following widespread bipartisan outrage, Donald Trump’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott announced Monday that the agency is temporarily pausing all construction activity in Big Bend National Park as he visits the site this week. Scott did not say how long the pause would last or commit to canceling the project.
The announcement follows vast bipartisan opposition after contractors used heavy machinery to clear native vegetation and disturb wildlife near the mouth of Santa Elena Canyon. The National Park Service closed part of the area to the public on Aug. 12 because of large-scale construction work. The construction project threatens critical wildlife habitat, recommended wilderness landscapes, and cultural and historic areas.
In response, Jackie Feinberg, manager of the Sierra Club’s Lands Conservation campaign released the following statement:
“Big Bend should never have been bulldozed for a destructive border project, and the Trump administration must make this pause permanent and repair the damage already done. Anything less than a full withdrawal is unacceptable for the millions of Americans across the country who love and cherish our national parks and public lands. The Sierra Club will keep fighting until this project is permanently rescinded. We call on Congress to act to defend Big Bend and ensure that our shared lands and waters nationwide are protected for generations to come.”
In response Dave Cortez, director of the Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter released the following statement:
“West Texas will not stand by while these irreplaceable landscapes remain at risk. This pause is a step in the right direction, but the threat has not passed. While we call on Texans of all political stripes to continue to press Governor Abbott to defend Big Bend, we need every American who cherishes our public lands to continue to contact their members of Congress and encourage them to abandon every plan that puts Big Bend in harm’s way.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person’s right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org
