Pass The Border Water Quality Restoration & Protection Act

The U.S./Mexico border is plagued by severe pollution that threatens public health, the environment, local economies, and our national security. To address this issue, we support The Border Water Quality Restoration and Protection Act (H.R. 1663/S. 572), introduced by Rep. Vargas and Sen. Feinstein, to designate the EPA to address transboundary pollution and improve water quality along the border. The EPA would need to propose solutions and request funding for identified priority projects. Projects like the EPA proposed wastewater infrastructure project known as Alternative I-2 that will reduce transboundary flow by 95% percent during the summer months and 76% during wet weather. 

Stormwater and wastewater discharges from Mexico bring raw sewage, harmful chemicals, and immense amounts of trash to beaches across south San Diego County. In 2021, this pollution caused border-area beaches to close for 246 days. This issue disproportionately affects disadvantaged Latino communities on both sides of the border, highlighting the need for environmental justice. Additionally, U.S. Border Patrol and Navy conduct patrols and training in contaminated environments that put agents and sailors at risk. Designating the EPA to lead the transboundary pollution crisis could bring additional funding, resources, and accountability to bring solutions to communities dealing with the pollution at their beaches year after year.

Visit the Clean Border Water Now webpage to learn more information about the transboundary pollution crisis.