logo
As Alligator Alcatraz adds more pavement, environmentalists add to legal complaints

As Alligator Alcatraz adds more pavement, environmentalists add to legal complaints

Miami Herald11-07-2025
The state and federal government are once again under legal fire from environmental groups over the hastily constructed immigrant detention center in the Everglades.
In a newly filed legal notice, environmental groups accused the government agencies of ignoring even more environmental regulations while building and opening Alligator Alcatraz, despite the governor's pledge to have 'zero impacts' on the Everglades.
The second barrage of legal documents, filed two weeks after the first lawsuit, also suggests that the detention center is already making an impact on the fragile ecosystem around it.
'With each passing day, we see visible environmental impacts on this site. We are very concerned and filed this additional legal action to ensure the law is being complied with,' said Eve Samples, head of Friends of the Everglades, one of the groups spearheading the legal challenges.
Aerial photography revealed fresh patches of asphalt, including several short stretches of roads and an 11-acre patch of new blacktop. The lawsuit accuses the state and federal government of failing to get the proper permits to 'dredge and fill' those formerly open, grassy areas.
Florida's Department of Emergency Management spokesperson Stephanie Hartman said that the 11-acre paved-over area was actually a patch of concrete with overgrown grass.
'The photographed areas all reflect previously paved or concrete portions of the airport, including where the asphalt is pictured,' she told the Herald.
A consultant for Friends of the Everglades reviewed old aerial photography dating back to the construction of the Jetport in 1970 and never found a patch of concrete in that same spot, just vegetation.
'We doubt, looking at the aerials, if it was paved before,' said Paul Schwiep, one of the lead attorneys for the environmental groups and a partner at Miami-based Coffey Burlington. 'The statement that this was all built on the existing footprint does not appear to be correct.'
The notice of intent to sue in the next 60 days also dings the state and federal government for failing to consider the potential impacts on endangered and threatened species in the area, including the Florida panther, the bonneted bat and Everglade snail kite.
The original lawsuit accused the state and federal government of ignoring federal environmental laws that require them to analyze potential harms to the environment before building.
'They don't dispute that there hasn't been any analysis of any environmental impacts — impacts on wetlands, impacts on endangered species, none of it,' said Schwiep.
READ MORE: Feds move in court to distance Trump administration from Alligator Alcatraz
Instead, in court filings, the state has argued it didn't need to do those analyses because it was acting during an immigration-related state of emergency declared by Gov. Ron DeSantis three years ago. Federal agencies said they had nothing to do with the site — declaring it a Florida-operated detention center with no support from the Trump administration, despite the many public statements of support from federal officials at the highest levels of government.
'There are so many on-the-record statements regarding this federal state partnership,' said Samples. 'Their court filings do not align with their public statements on this topic.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

TikTok Will ‘Go Dark' Soon if China Does Not Strike Deal, Commerce Secretary Says
TikTok Will ‘Go Dark' Soon if China Does Not Strike Deal, Commerce Secretary Says

Yahoo

time2 hours ago

  • Yahoo

TikTok Will ‘Go Dark' Soon if China Does Not Strike Deal, Commerce Secretary Says

Howard Lutnick says TikTok's algorithm must be sold for the popular app to remain active past Sept. 17 No more extensions. TikTok will 'go dark' if China does not cut a deal with the Trump administration that transfers control of the app's technology and algorithm, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on Thursday. More from TheWrap TikTok Will 'Go Dark' Soon if China Does Not Strike Deal, Commerce Secretary Says Trump Says It Is 'Not Do-able' for AI Companies to Pay for All Copyrighted Content Used in Training Models YouTube Ad Revenue Up 13% Year-Over-Year in 2nd Quarter of 2025, Hitting $9.8 Billion Oracle in Talks With Paramount-Skydance for $100 Million Cloud Deal | Report Lutnick was discussing the ongoing TikTok negotiation during an appearance on CNBC's 'Squawk on the Street.' TikTok's parent company, Beijing-based ByteDance, is currently facing a Sept. 17 deadline to offload the app's American operation or face being banned in the States. 'We've made the decision: you can't have Chinese control and have something on 100 million American phones. That's just not okay,' Lutnick said. He continued: 'So if it's in American control, and, you know, China can have a little piece, or ByteDance, the current owner, can keep a little piece. But basically, Americans will have control. Americans will own the technology, and Americans will control the algorithm.' His comments come after TikTok has received multiple extensions from the president to reach a deal on selling its U.S. app. TikTok was initially set to be banned on Jan. 19, after President Joe Biden signed a law last year requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok's American operation. The chief concern lawmakers had was that TikTok could act as a stealth spyware app for China's communist government, as ByteDance is required by Chinese law to hand over any user data the government asks for. President Trump, on his first day back in office on Jan. 20, gave TikTok a 75-day extension to make a deal, and the app's future in the U.S. has remained in limbo ever since. The president gave TikTok a second extension in April, and then another one last month, making Sept. 17 the latest deadline. In late June, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump's 'main goal' is making sure TikTok remains available in the U.S. — 'while protecting [Americans'] privacy and security.' TikTok has said it has 170 million American users. On Thursday, Lutnick said TikTok is 'not really' part of a larger trade deal being discussed with China. But he also said it is hard for the topic to not come up 'unofficially' during discussions with Chinese diplomats. You can watch part of Lutnick's CNBC appearance by clicking here. The post TikTok Will 'Go Dark' Soon if China Does Not Strike Deal, Commerce Secretary Says appeared first on TheWrap.

Faraday Future Hosts Successful Capitol Hill Club Reception Showcasing Commitment to American Manufacturing and Innovation
Faraday Future Hosts Successful Capitol Hill Club Reception Showcasing Commitment to American Manufacturing and Innovation

Yahoo

time3 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Faraday Future Hosts Successful Capitol Hill Club Reception Showcasing Commitment to American Manufacturing and Innovation

WASHINGTON, July 24, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc. (NASDAQ: FFAI) ("Faraday Future", "FF" or the "Company"), a California-based global shared intelligent electric mobility ecosystem company, held a well-attended and impactful reception at the Capitol Hill Club this week, drawing over a dozen members of Congress and key stakeholders from across the policy and business landscape. The event served as a platform to highlight Faraday Future's ongoing efforts to bring advanced electric vehicle innovation and manufacturing jobs back to American soil. "We at Faraday Future have expressed our desire to play a role in the great American comeback we are seeing under this Administration, particularly as it relates to the automotive industry, which has been the bedrock of American industry for ages," said John Schilling, Global Director of Communications and Public Relations at Faraday Future. The event featured both FF's cutting-edge FF 91 2.0 electric supercar as well as its recently unveiled FX Super One MPV model. Attendees got a firsthand look at both products and experienced the technology, craftsmanship, and vision driving FF's expansion strategy. FF leadership, including FX CEO Max Ma, also met with staff at the White House earlier this week, which included an open dialogue on a number of policy topics such as tariffs, U.S. manufacturing and innovation. FF looks forward to continuing to work closely with the White House in the near future to promote the long-term prosperity of America's high-end manufacturing sector, centered around the automotive industry and its broader ecosystem. "We were extremely honored by the attendance of numerous members of Congress who were interested in both our vehicles, because who wouldn't be, but more importantly, our story about building and employing American," continued Schilling. "We're committed to expanding production here at home and look forward to working with Congress and the Trump Administration to help make that vision a reality." Faraday Future's leadership emphasized that the company is aligning with the current Administration's vision to reindustrialize America and revitalize core manufacturing sectors. With plans to increase domestic production and invest in U.S. jobs, Faraday is proud to be a part of a new chapter in American innovation. ABOUT FARADAY FUTURE Faraday Future is a California-based global shared intelligent electric mobility ecosystem company. Founded in 2014, the Company's mission is to disrupt the automotive industry by creating a user-centric, technology-first, and smart driving experience. Faraday Future's flagship model, the FF 91, exemplifies its vision for luxury, innovation, and performance. The FX strategy aims to introduce mass production models equipped with state-of-the-art luxury technology similar to the FF 91, targeting a broader market with middle-to-low price range offerings. FF is committed to redefining mobility through AI innovation. Join us in shaping the future of intelligent transportation. For more information, please visit FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release includes "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "plan to," "can," "will," "should," "future," "potential," and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside the Company's control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors, among others, that may affect actual results or outcomes include, among others: the Company's ability to secure necessary agreements to license or produce FX vehicles in the U.S., the Middle East, or elsewhere, none of which have been secured; the Company's ability to homologate FX vehicles for sale in the U.S., the Middle East, or elsewhere; the Company's ability to secure the necessary funding to execute on its AI, EREV and Faraday X (FX) strategies, each of which will be substantial; the Company's ability to secure necessary permits at its Hanford, CA production facility; the Company's ability to secure regulatory approvals for the proposed Super One front grill; the potential impact of tariff policy; the Company's ability to continue as a going concern and improve its liquidity and financial position; the Company's ability to pay its outstanding obligations; the Company's ability to remediate its material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting and the risks related to the restatement of previously issued consolidated financial statements; the Company's limited operating history and the significant barriers to growth it faces; the Company's history of losses and expectation of continued losses; the success of the Company's payroll expense reduction plan; the Company's ability to execute on its plans to develop and market its vehicles and the timing of these development programs; the Company's estimates of the size of the markets for its vehicles and cost to bring those vehicles to market; the rate and degree of market acceptance of the Company's vehicles; the Company's ability to cover future warranty claims; the success of other competing manufacturers; the performance and security of the Company's vehicles; current and potential litigation involving the Company; the Company's ability to receive funds from, satisfy the conditions precedent of and close on the various financings described elsewhere by the Company; the result of future financing efforts, the failure of any of which could result in the Company seeking protection under the Bankruptcy Code; the Company's indebtedness; the Company's ability to cover future warranty claims; the Company's ability to use its "at-the-market" program; insurance coverage; general economic and market conditions impacting demand for the Company's products; potential negative impacts of a reverse stock split; potential cost, headcount and salary reduction actions may not be sufficient or may not achieve their expected results; circumstances outside of the Company's control, such as natural disasters, climate change, health epidemics and pandemics, terrorist attacks, and civil unrest; risks related to the Company's operations in China; the success of the Company's remedial measures taken in response to the Special Committee findings; the Company's dependence on its suppliers and contract manufacturer; the Company's ability to develop and protect its technologies; the Company's ability to protect against cybersecurity risks; and the ability of the Company to attract and retain employees, any adverse developments in existing legal proceedings or the initiation of new legal proceedings, and volatility of the Company's stock price. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 31, 2025, and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC. View source version on Contacts Investors (English): ir@ Investors (Chinese): cn-ir@ Media:

Faraday Future Hosts Successful Capitol Hill Club Reception Showcasing Commitment to American Manufacturing and Innovation
Faraday Future Hosts Successful Capitol Hill Club Reception Showcasing Commitment to American Manufacturing and Innovation

Business Wire

time3 hours ago

  • Business Wire

Faraday Future Hosts Successful Capitol Hill Club Reception Showcasing Commitment to American Manufacturing and Innovation

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc. (NASDAQ: FFAI) ('Faraday Future', 'FF' or the 'Company'), a California-based global shared intelligent electric mobility ecosystem company, held a well-attended and impactful reception at the Capitol Hill Club this week, drawing over a dozen members of Congress and key stakeholders from across the policy and business landscape. The event served as a platform to highlight Faraday Future's ongoing efforts to bring advanced electric vehicle innovation and manufacturing jobs back to American soil. 'We at Faraday Future have expressed our desire to play a role in the great American comeback we are seeing under this Administration, particularly as it relates to the automotive industry, which has been the bedrock of American industry for ages,' said John Schilling, Global Director of Communications and Public Relations at Faraday Future. The event featured both FF's cutting-edge FF 91 2.0 electric supercar as well as its recently unveiled FX Super One MPV model. Attendees got a firsthand look at both products and experienced the technology, craftsmanship, and vision driving FF's expansion strategy. FF leadership, including FX CEO Max Ma, also met with staff at the White House earlier this week, which included an open dialogue on a number of policy topics such as tariffs, U.S. manufacturing and innovation. FF looks forward to continuing to work closely with the White House in the near future to promote the long-term prosperity of America's high-end manufacturing sector, centered around the automotive industry and its broader ecosystem. 'We were extremely honored by the attendance of numerous members of Congress who were interested in both our vehicles, because who wouldn't be, but more importantly, our story about building and employing American,' continued Schilling. 'We're committed to expanding production here at home and look forward to working with Congress and the Trump Administration to help make that vision a reality.' Faraday Future's leadership emphasized that the company is aligning with the current Administration's vision to reindustrialize America and revitalize core manufacturing sectors. With plans to increase domestic production and invest in U.S. jobs, Faraday is proud to be a part of a new chapter in American innovation. ABOUT FARADAY FUTURE Faraday Future is a California-based global shared intelligent electric mobility ecosystem company. Founded in 2014, the Company's mission is to disrupt the automotive industry by creating a user-centric, technology-first, and smart driving experience. Faraday Future's flagship model, the FF 91, exemplifies its vision for luxury, innovation, and performance. The FX strategy aims to introduce mass production models equipped with state-of-the-art luxury technology similar to the FF 91, targeting a broader market with middle-to-low price range offerings. FF is committed to redefining mobility through AI innovation. Join us in shaping the future of intelligent transportation. For more information, please visit FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release includes 'forward looking statements' within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words 'plan to,' 'can,' 'will,' 'should,' 'future,' 'potential,' and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside the Company's control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors, among others, that may affect actual results or outcomes include, among others: the Company's ability to secure necessary agreements to license or produce FX vehicles in the U.S., the Middle East, or elsewhere, none of which have been secured; the Company's ability to homologate FX vehicles for sale in the U.S., the Middle East, or elsewhere; the Company's ability to secure the necessary funding to execute on its AI, EREV and Faraday X (FX) strategies, each of which will be substantial; the Company's ability to secure necessary permits at its Hanford, CA production facility; the Company's ability to secure regulatory approvals for the proposed Super One front grill; the potential impact of tariff policy; the Company's ability to continue as a going concern and improve its liquidity and financial position; the Company's ability to pay its outstanding obligations; the Company's ability to remediate its material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting and the risks related to the restatement of previously issued consolidated financial statements; the Company's limited operating history and the significant barriers to growth it faces; the Company's history of losses and expectation of continued losses; the success of the Company's payroll expense reduction plan; the Company's ability to execute on its plans to develop and market its vehicles and the timing of these development programs; the Company's estimates of the size of the markets for its vehicles and cost to bring those vehicles to market; the rate and degree of market acceptance of the Company's vehicles; the Company's ability to cover future warranty claims; the success of other competing manufacturers; the performance and security of the Company's vehicles; current and potential litigation involving the Company; the Company's ability to receive funds from, satisfy the conditions precedent of and close on the various financings described elsewhere by the Company; the result of future financing efforts, the failure of any of which could result in the Company seeking protection under the Bankruptcy Code; the Company's indebtedness; the Company's ability to cover future warranty claims; the Company's ability to use its 'at-the-market' program; insurance coverage; general economic and market conditions impacting demand for the Company's products; potential negative impacts of a reverse stock split; potential cost, headcount and salary reduction actions may not be sufficient or may not achieve their expected results; circumstances outside of the Company's control, such as natural disasters, climate change, health epidemics and pandemics, terrorist attacks, and civil unrest; risks related to the Company's operations in China; the success of the Company's remedial measures taken in response to the Special Committee findings; the Company's dependence on its suppliers and contract manufacturer; the Company's ability to develop and protect its technologies; the Company's ability to protect against cybersecurity risks; and the ability of the Company to attract and retain employees, any adverse developments in existing legal proceedings or the initiation of new legal proceedings, and volatility of the Company's stock price. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the 'Risk Factors' section of the Company's Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 31, 2025, and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store