H.R. 3593 — what changed

Section 4(d) of the Wilderness Act is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(8) U.S. Customs and Border Protection Access

“(A) Permissible activities—Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection may conduct the following activities within a wilderness area for the purpose of securing the international land borders of the United States:

“(i) Access structures, installations, and roads.

changed “(ii) Use motor vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles, motorboats, Execute search and motorized equipment.rescue operations.

changed “(iii) Notwithstanding any other law or regulation relating specifically to use of aircraft in a wilderness area or in the airspace above a wilderness area, use aircraft, including approach, landing, Use motor vehicles, motorboats, and takeoff.motorized equipment.

changed “(iv) In response to emergency situations, deploy temporary infrastructure, including forward operating bases.Conduct patrols on foot and on horseback.

changed “(v) Subject Notwithstanding any other law or regulation relating specifically to the approval of the Secretary use of aircraft in a wilderness area or in the Interior, construct and maintain roads airspace above a wilderness area, use aircraft, including approach, landing, and fences.takeoff.

added “(vi) Deploy tactical infrastructure and technology.

added “(vii) Construct and maintain roads and physical barriers.

“(B) Protection of wilderness character—Any activity conducted by the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection under subparagraph (A) shall be carried out in a manner that, to the greatest extent possible, protects the wilderness character of the area.”