United States Of America V. Abbott Et Al
Summary: A lawsuit has been initiated by the United States against Governor Greg Abbott and the State of Texas. The suit alleges unauthorized construction activities, including a floating barrier, in the Rio Grande, purportedly in violation of the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act of 1899. The U.S. government contends that these structures impede the navigable capacity of the Rio Grande, potentially endangering public safety and the environment. The lawsuit, lodged in the Western District of Texas, Austin Division, on July 24, 2023, aims to halt further construction, installation, or maintenance of structures in U.S. waters without adherence to federal law. It also demands that the State of Texas dismantle all unauthorized structures at its own cost. The U.S. Department of Justice, represented by a team of attorneys including Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim, Senior Trial Counsel Brian H. Lynk, and Trial Attorney Andrew Knudsen, along with United States Attorney Jaime Esparza and Assistant United States Attorney James E. Dingivan from the Western District of Texas, are advocating for the enforcement of these legal provisions, as well as any additional relief the court deems just and appropriate.
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