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Press Releases
October 29, 2024
Reps. Vargas, Peters, Jacobs Mark Launch of South Bay Plant Rehabilitation and Expansion Project
SAN DIEGO - Today, U.S. Representatives Juan Vargas (CA-52), Scott Peters (CA-50), and Sara Jacobs (CA-51) joined International Boundary and Water Commission officials, local leaders, and community members to mark the launch of a rehabilitation and expansion project at the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant. This project will put to use $400 million in federal funding that the San Diego Congressional delegation secured to double the facility's capacity and - when paired with ac… Continue Reading
October 25, 2024San Diego Congressional Delegation Urges SBA to Examine How to Assist Businesses Impacted by Tijuana River Valley Pollution
U.S. Representatives Juan Vargas (CA-52), Scott Peters (CA-50), Mike Levin (CA-49), and Sara Jacobs (CA-51) urged the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to investigate how it can provide assistance to businesses impacted by pollution in the Tijuana River Valley. “For too long, South San Diego County has suffered with untreated wastewater, sediment, and trash that has flowed through the Tijuana River into San Diego waters affecting our environment, national security, and the health and sa… Continue Reading
October 18, 2024Rep. Juan Vargas, San Diego Congressional Delegation Call for Federal Support for South Bay Air Quality Monitoring
U.S. Representatives Juan Vargas (CA-52), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Mike Levin (CA-49), and Scott Peters (CA-50) called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide support to the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) as they work to monitor the air quality in communities impacted by Tijuana River Valley pollution. This summer, South Bay communities were overwhelmed by strong sewage odors from the Tijuana River Valley, and hydrogen sulfide was detected in higher-than… Continue Reading
In The News
October 18, 2024
Congressional delegation urges EPA to provide air quality monitoring support
San Diego's Congressional delegation Friday called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to support San Diego County's Air Pollution Control District in its task of monitoring air quality in neighborhoods near the border. In early September, high levels of noxious gases such as hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen cyanide were measured by scientific teams in the river valley and noticed by residents due to the rotten egg smell even miles from the border. Ultimately, crews from San Diego County d… Continue Reading
August 29, 2024San Diego migrant aid organizations secure $43M in federal funding
Two local organizations secured an additional $43 million in federal funding to help recently arrived migrants with services such as shelter, medical care and transportation, Rep. Juan Vargas announced this week. The money comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Shelter and Services Program, or SSP, which is intended for non-federal entities that provide humanitarian services to migrants released after being processed by U.S. Border Patrol. It comes on top of $39.2 million total th… Continue Reading
August 29, 2024Congressional delegation demands answers from Mexico about border odors
SAN DIEGO — Members of San Diego's congressional delegation Wednesday demanded answers as to why despite the dry weather, environmental officials are reporting an increase in sewage flow and strong odors from Mexico in the Tijuana River. Reps. Juan Vargas, Sara Jacobs, Scott Peters, all D-San Diego; Mike Levin, D-Dana Point; and U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler, both D- California, called on the U.S. Department of State to pressure Mexican officials for answers on the unprecedented … Continue Reading