Rep. Vargas Releases Statement on EPA Dedicating $300 million to Combat Cross-Border Spills from Mexico into San Diego
San Diego, CA. (May 12, 2020) –Rep. Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that they are dedicating the entire $300 million appropriated in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act (USMCA) to combat cross-border toxic sewage spills in San Diego County.
“Our border communities have suffered from the regular flow of raw sewage into our country from Mexico for too long. I’m pleased the Environmental Protection Agency is dedicating the entire $300 million appropriated in the USMCA to address toxic sewage flowing into our border region. The EPA can now lead a comprehensive and coordinated effort with the local community to build much-needed wastewater infrastructure for the region.
“I’m proud to say that it was truly a joint effort between California Senators Feinstein and Harris, the San Diego Congressional delegation, and the local and regional leaders. My colleagues and I will continue to take meaningful action towards preventing transboundary sewage flows from entering into the United States.
“Although this is a positive step toward alleviating cross-border sewage spills affecting our region, our work is far from complete. The health and safety, of ALL our border communities, are and will continue to be, top priorities of mine."
Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County, and California’s entire U.S.-Mexico border. Vargas was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and is currently serving his fourth term in Congress. He serves on the House Financial Services Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee.
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