Groups Protest Allowing Mexican Trucks In U.S.

A coalition of groups is asking a judge for an emergency stay of President Bush´s decision to open U.S. highways to trucks from Mexico.

The coalition of environmental, labor and trucking industry groups filed the request today.

The groups say the federal government did not adequately review the impact the trucks would have on air quality north of the border.

Bush opened the highways to Mexican trucks beyond the 20-mile commercial border zones Wednesday.

Normally the rigs transfer their cargo to U.S. trucks that carry the loads to points within the U.S.

A ruling on the groups´ request is expected in the next couple of days. If it´s not granted trucks could be on the highways as soon as this month.

Bush´s decision complies with a provision of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

The government found letting the trucks in would have, “no significant impact” on the environment.