U.S. and Mexico Partner in $10.8M Environmental Effort

The more populous areas of Mexico have taken steps to reduce waste consumption, energy and emissions. Most recently, Mexico City enforced a biodegradable plastic bag law for retailers. The government also announced it would place more than 1,100 bicycles in public areas for community use.

On Oct. 29, U.S. and Mexican officials announced that more than $10.8 million in grant funds will be used to implement environmental initiatives on the border at Rincon reservation of the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians in Valley Center, San Diego County, Calif.

According to the EPA, the new partnership will affect more than 10 states along both sides of the border, working to improve water and air quality, among other improvements. Photo: Flickr/Sassy Frassy Lassie

According to the EPA, the funding will go toward the removal of 4 million abandoned tires, the cleaning up of 2,500 tons of hazardous waste, water sanitation, improved air quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions from diesel trucks operating along the border.

“We need to pay attention to mutual issues of air and water contamination, drought, disease, terrorism, natural disasters and resource depletion,” said Bo Mazzetti, chairman of the Rincon Band. “These environmental problems do not recognize arbitrary national border jurisdictions, and neither should we.”

Dubbed the Border 2012 U.S.-Mexico Environmental Program, it will cover the environment and public health for 10 states on both sides of the 2,000-mile border.

“As partners, the U.S. and Mexico continue to face tough environmental issues along the ever-growing border area,” said Laura Yoshii, regional administrator for the EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. “Our joint efforts have led to significant progress in improving the environment and quality of life for the U.S., Mexican and tribal communities of the region, and we look forward to even greater successes in the future.”