If you have 2 seperate peices, one for the drive side and one for the passenger side, you do not have an export brace, you have shock tower braces.
Yes it can be safely removed to work on the car, and I recommend purchasing a true export brace which is a solid peice that connect both shock towers to the firewall using one semi 'v' shaped bar. Also add the Monte Carlo bar and for about $100 you will have a tremendous improvement in handling.