Imperial Beach City Council Unanimously Supports Rep. Vargas’ Resolution Applauding Binational Pollution Reduction Efforts
Imperial Beach, CA (August 22, 2013) – Yesterday, Rep. Juan Vargas’ (CA-51) House Resolution 241, recognizing the importance of the United States International Boundary Water Commission (USIBWC) and its recent efforts to address trash, sediment, and water quality issues with its Mexican counterpart, Comisión Internacional de Límites y Aguas, (CILA) received unanimous support from the Imperial Beach City Council. The work of the USIBWC and the CILA is expected to result in a proposed minute to the Water Treaty of 1944.
“I am incredibly pleased that the Imperial Beach City Council has unanimously supported the efforts being made by the USIBWC and the CILA to address the issue of cross border pollution,” said Rep. Vargas. “It is imperative that we work together, at all levels of government, to ensure that our binational natural resources are protected.”
The cross border flow of trash, sediment and sewage presents an ongoing problem resulting in the flooding of public and private properties, sedimentation, loss of habitat, and lengthy beach closures along the shoreline. The minute currently being developed by the USIBWC would address a variety of issues including implementing optimal, watershed-based solutions, reducing sources of sediment and trash, installing sediment and trash capture devices, and performing ongoing operations and maintenance.
Mayor Jim Janney stated, “We are proud to support a resolution that addresses cross border pollution issues. Keeping the watersheds clean is beneficial to not just the City of Imperial Beach, but also the environment as a whole and to the kids who come and learn at the Tijuana Estuary. We are happy that our Congressman is working to combat some of the environmental issues that our community is facing and we look forward to continuing to support any efforts to protect our natural resources. We are excited to see the USIBWC & CILA working together on this effort.”
“Supporting efforts to protect our binational watershed is of vital importance,” said Rep. Vargas.
“I greatly appreciate the support of the Imperial Beach City Council. I applaud the dedication that the USIBWC and the CILA have shown in working to reduce pollution and improve the health and safety of those who live in the Tijuana River Valley region.”
Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire US/Mexico border. Vargas is currently serving his first term in Congress. He represented the 40th California State Senate District from 2010-2012, the 79th California State Assembly District from 2000 – 2006 and served on the San Diego City Council from 1993 – 2000.