Trump’s Executive Order on Infrastructure Puts Communities and Wildlife at Risk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Haley McKey, 202-772-0247, hmckey@defenders.org

WASHINGTON (August 15, 2017) – Today, President Trump announced an Executive Order on infrastructure that is expected to weaken safeguards that ensure projects are planned and constructed in a transparent and environmentally responsible manner, under the pretense of “faster” permitting.

Jamie Rappaport Clark, president and CEO for Defenders of Wildlife, issued the following statement:

“The president’s announcement suggests this infrastructure order will prolong an unrelenting attack on public safeguards that undermines transparency, public health and wildlife protection.

“It appears this executive order is another example of his 'anything for industry' approach to policy-making that shortchanges the American taxpayer and our environment. The president spoke of forcing unrealistic and potentially reckless deadlines on agencies already struggling with budget cuts. Mandating arbitrary timelines doesn’t lead to better permitting, just less adequate review and less protection for our environment. Public safety and our land, air, water and wildlife should not be compromised merely to fast-track potentially damaging projects."

###

Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With nearly 1.2 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit Newsroom.Defenders.org and follow us on Twitter @DefendersNews.