Mexico has promised many times before to stop destroying our environment, but weak enforcement by American politicians has repeatedly undercut progress and harmed San Diego’s environment.
Assemblymember Carl DeMaio issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement of a new U.S.-Mexico agreement addressing the Tijuana River sewage crisis:
“The Tijuana River sewage crisis is a serious environmental and public-health failure that has gone unresolved for decades because enforcement was absent and accountability was ignored. Any action that prioritizes enforcement and cleanup is a step in the right direction.”
“That said, San Diego residents have heard promises before with little follow-through. Progress will only matter if deadlines are enforced, commitments are honored, and accountability is maintained—especially when American communities bear the consequences of failure.”
“I will be watching the implementation closely and expect transparency as the projects move forward. This crisis doesn’t need symbolic gestures or recycled promises; it needs permanent solutions.”
Earlier this year, Assemblymember DeMaio sent a letter calling for a federal investigation into ongoing sewage and trash dumping across the border, citing repeated failures to enforce existing agreements and protect San Diego communities.
For more information on today’s announcement, click here.