"US District Judge Gonzalo Curiel has cleared one potential obstacle to President Donald Trump's long-promised border wall, ruling Tuesday that the administration has the authority to waive a host of environmental laws and other regulations to begin construction.

Curiel's 100-page order does not mean construction of the wall will begin immediately. Congress has yet to authorize or provide funding for any new wall to begin the project. Thus far, the Department of Homeland Security has built several prototypes in San Diego -- which was the focus of the lawsuit Curiel rejected.

Still, the ruling is a win for the administration as it seeks to get money to build its wall, a centerpiece of Trump's campaign. The President hailed the 'big legal win' late Tuesday, tweeting that the 'important project can go forward.'"

Tal Kopan reports for CNN February 28, 2018. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"A Border Betrayed: Communities in U.S. and Mexico at Risk From Sewage, Pollution and Disease" (The Revelator) [3]

"Judge Curiel Sides With Trump On Border Wall Ruling. But, Whoa, Do These Two Have A History." (San Diego Union-Tribune) [4]

"Judge Whom Trump Called Biased For Mexican Heritage Sides With President In Border Wall Case" (Washington Post) [5]

"The Latest: Environmental Group To Appeal Border Wall Ruling" (AP) [6]