Grijalva's Border Bill

We're a few days late with this news, and we apologize. But that doesn't mean that we're not totally on board with Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva's newly introduced Border Security and Responsibility Act of 2009. The Border Security and Responsibility Act of 2009 will:

* Require the Department of Homeland Security to consult with federal land managers and state, local, and tribal governments in creating a Border Protection Strategy that supports border security efforts while also protecting federal and tribal lands.

* Provide for flexibility, rather than a “one size fits all” approach, to border security by allowing experts at DHS to decide upon best strategies for border security.

* Allow land managers, local officials, and local communities to have a say in border security decisions, requiring full public notice and participation.

* Ensure that laws intended to protect air, water, wildlife, culture, and health and safety are fully upheld.

Sounds pretty good, no? Go here to watch the Sierra Club response. And then call your congressperson and urge her/him to get behind this important piece of legislation.

Grijalva would have been an awesome Secretary of the Interior, btw. Just sayin'.