Background on Key Figures and Their Roles
In an effort to tackle the longstanding issue of pollution in the Tijuana River, environmental officials from both the United States and Mexico have come together for discussions. The meeting took place in San Diego, California, between Alicia Bárcena, Mexico’s Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, and Lee Zeldin, Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Mexico’s Progress
Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico City, announced that Mexico is nearing completion of a wastewater treatment plant in San Antonio de los Buenos. This development is expected to significantly reduce pollution entering the Pacific Ocean.
Sheinbaum emphasized that there remains work for the United States to accomplish as part of a joint agreement between Presidents Andrés Manuel López Obrador and Joe Biden, along with the respective state governments.
U.S. Involvement and Concerns
Tim Sheehy, a Republican senator, previously raised concerns by sending a letter to President Sheinbaum. He highlighted the discharge of five million gallons of untreated wastewater daily, which severely impacts the health of thousands of people.
These concerns were fueled by a report from the International Commission on Limits and Waters (CILA), confirming that Mexico continues to discharge untreated wastewater into the Tijuana River. These pollutants cross the border and enter California’s southern coast.
Resignation of Elena Giner
Amidst these discussions, Maria Elena Giner resigned as the head of the U.S. branch of the CILA. Giner, who assumed her role during Joe Biden’s administration, will be succeeded by William Chad McIntosh, the interim deputy administrator of the EPA.
In her LinkedIn resignation letter, Giner acknowledged the remaining work to be done regarding Mexico’s water deliveries to the U.S., while expressing that her time at CILA was “the hardest yet most rewarding work”.
Meeting Agenda and Key Points
During her visit to Tijuana, Alicia Bárcena met with Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar to exchange strategies on regional environmental issues, including water infrastructure, air quality, and the protection of the Gulf of California.
Bárcena also toured the San Antonio de los Buenos wastewater treatment plant alongside CONAGUA (National Water Commission) and the SEDENA (Mexican Army’s General Secretariat of Logistics and Administrative Services) to oversee the comprehensive rehabilitation project.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue being addressed? The longstanding pollution problem in the Tijuana River, with untreated wastewater entering the Pacific Ocean.
- Who are the key officials involved? Alicia Bárcena (Mexico’s Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources) and Lee Zeldin (Administrator of the U.S. EPA).
- What progress has been made by Mexico? Construction of a wastewater treatment plant in San Antonio de los Buenos, nearing completion.
- What concerns have been raised by the U.S.? Continuous discharge of untreated wastewater into the Tijuana River, impacting public health and the environment.
- Who resigned from her position, and who will replace her? Maria Elena Giner resigned as head of the U.S. CILA, and she will be succeeded by William Chad McIntosh.
