Politics

Government Will Waive Environmental Laws For Part Of The 'Border Wall'

The Department of Homeland Security issued a waiver for one area that lets it bypass laws and regulations normally required before construction.

Government Will Waive Environmental Laws For Part Of The 'Border Wall'
Getty Images
Article by Ryan Biek
SMS
August 2, 2017

The Trump administration's push for a complete barrier along the southern U.S. border is already controversial. But planned construction near San Diego may further stoke the fire.

On Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security announced a waiver for the San Diego area. It lets the department bypass environmental laws and other regulations to build barriers and roads near the border.

For example, Homeland Security won't have to conduct an environment impact study before construction.

The agency says the San Diego area's border is especially vulnerable and that the need is immediate.

Last year in the San Diego sector, the department says it apprehended 31,000 undocumented immigrants and seized over 10,000 pounds of marijuana and cocaine.

A Republican Suggests Cutting Food Stamps To Fund The Border 'Wall'

A Republican Suggests Cutting Food Stamps To Fund The Border 'Wall'

Rep. Steve King says Congress should allocate $5 billion to President Donald Trump's proposed border "wall." But will Democrats let that happen?

LEARN MORE

But activists say several endangered species live in the San Diego area, meaning the environment is also vulnerable.

They argue the waiver is unconstitutional. But there might be some precedent for it.

During former President George W. Bush's administration, the agency used this kind of waiver five times.

The Army Corps of Engineers is expected to begin construction-related tests sometime in August.