Naturally Interesting

In a move to finish 670 miles of barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border by the end of the year, the Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday announced that it will waive federal and state environmental laws. The two waivers, which were approved by Congress, will allow Homeland Security to ignore more than 30 environmental laws, including completing NEPA assessments.

Critics, said the waivers were intended to sidestep growing and unexpectedly fierce opposition — especially in Arizona and in Texas, where concerns have been raised about endangered species and fragile ecosystems along the Rio Grande.

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