California Allocates $46 Million to Clean Tijuana River

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Thursday the deployment of $46 million to tackle the persistent pollution of the Tijuana River at the California-Mexico border. Since 2018, the river has received over 100 billion gallons of untreated sewage filled with industrial chemicals and waste, according to the International Boundary and Water Commission.

In a collaborative effort, the United States and Mexico agreed last year to address this issue by upgrading wastewater facilities. These upgrades aim to accommodate Tijuana’s growing population and the industrial waste from factories, many owned by U.S. firms. The ongoing contamination affects numerous individuals, predominantly low-income Latino communities, causing health issues and environmental degradation.

During a visit to San Diego in February, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin noted that resolving this environmental crisis will require years of effort. The toxins from the river flow into the Pacific Ocean, releasing hydrogen sulfide gas, which poses significant health risks. This toxic gas can damage nasal neurons, exacerbate asthma, and cause symptoms like headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath.

The funding for the cleanup will come from Proposition 4, a $10 billion bond approved in 2024 for water and environmental projects statewide. A minimum of 40% of these funds target communities that face severe environmental challenges. The grants, awarded on a competitive basis, aim to reduce pollution and support public health and ecological restoration.

Phillip Musegaas, executive director of the San Diego Coastkeeper, emphasized the urgent need for this funding, but also noted that it covers only a fraction of the required resources. He called for increased federal support to enhance the region’s wastewater infrastructure.

In his statement, Newsom urged the Trump administration to contribute to lasting solutions, highlighting California’s efforts against a longstanding federal oversight. Newsom asserted that the administration has a moral duty to address this crisis and fulfill their commitments.