Chertoff clears way for fence plan

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff waived environmental regulations and laws restricting immediate construction of border fencing along southwestern Arizona's Barry M. Goldwater Range.

The action was taken to circumvent laws including the Endangered Species Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.

Doing so -- under authority Congress gave the Homeland Security secretary in 2005 -- will clear the way for construction in southwestern Arizona of 37 miles of traditional and virtual fencing, radar and other infrastructure.