30 Minutes spoke with Sierra Club Borderlands Campaign Coordinator Dan Millis to learn about the environmental impacts of border wall construction. The Real ID Act of 2005 allows dozens existing federal laws to be waived along the United States-Mexico Border in an effort to enhance security. That means that the usual environmental impact and engineering studies are not necessary for new border wall construction. Millis described the impact on species whose territories are confined by walls and fences. He pointed out the heightened flooding dangers that walls produce. Ultimately, he believes that border walls do nothing to enhance security while creating even more economic, environmental, and humanitarian problems.
Recorded and produced by Amanda Shauger for 30 Minutes on KXCI.