DHS Waives Environmental Rules for Texas Border Projects
Published Date: 7/2/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Homeland Security is speeding up building fences and roads along the Texas border by temporarily skipping some usual rules and laws. This change, effective July 2, 2026, helps protect the country by stopping illegal crossings faster. It affects border security projects and aims to save time and money while keeping the border safer.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Laws Waived to Expedite Texas Border Works
On July 2, 2026, the Secretary of Homeland Security waived many federal laws to allow immediate construction of physical barriers and roads in a segment of the U.S.–Mexico border in the Big Bend Sector of Texas (roughly from GPS 31.037623, -105.579877 to 29.325866, -104.046466). The waiver covers in their entirety a long list of statutes, including the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Clean Air Act, and others, for construction, staging, earthwork, drainage, lighting, cameras, and sensors in the project area.
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