Mexico and the United States have signed a memorandum of understanding that includes clear steps to address pollution caused from sewage poured into the Tijuana River that has been making its way into the latter country.
"There is a great commitment by the two countries to strengthen cooperation," said Mexican Environmental Secretary Alicia Barcena after meeting with Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin in Mexico City.
Zeldin flew to San Diego earlier this year to get a first-hand view of the issue. On Thursday, he said he saw the "degradation of the Tijuana River valley" and met with "Navy Seals, who have had their training impacted."
"The Trump Administration is proud to deliver this massive environmental and national security win for Americans in the San Diego area who have been living with this disgusting raw sewage flowing into their communities for far too long," Zeldin added.
The agreement details that Mexico will complete its allocation of $93 million for infrastructure projects, and will adhere to a schedule managing priorities through 2027.
California officials have been requesting authorities for answers for years. Earlier this month, state lawmakers asked the Trump administration to declare a state of emergency as a result.
Assemblymember David Alvarez, one of the sponsors of the bill, said the declaration is needed to address "environmental injustice facing communities, which have endured beach closures, air and water contamination, and diminished economic activity."
Alvarez added that there is a need to solve "ongoing impacts on public health, the environment, and the local economy caused by transboundary flow pollution in South San Diego and Imperial Valley."
Assemblymember Alvarez represents some of the most affected areas, including Imperial Beach, whose officials have been continuously raising alarms about the matter. Its beach was recently deemed one of the most polluted in the country.
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