California Allocates $46 Million for Tijuana River Cleanup

Governor Gavin Newsom has allocated $46 million in state funding to address pollution in the Tijuana River, located at the border of California and Mexico. The International Boundary and Water Commission reports that, since 2018, over 100 billion gallons of raw sewage have contaminated the river with industrial chemicals and waste.

In an effort to tackle this issue, the US and Mexico signed an agreement last year to improve wastewater plants. These upgrades aim to manage increased population and industrial waste in Tijuana, much of which comes from US-owned factories.

Exposure to this pollution has been a concern for many years, particularly affecting low-income Latino communities. During a visit to San Diego, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin highlighted that resolving this environmental crisis will take several years. Governor Newsom emphasized, “People in San Diego County shouldn’t have to worry about getting sick, losing access to their beaches, and living with polluted air.”

The funding is sourced from Proposition 4, a $10 billion bond approved in 2024 for water, climate, wildfire, and natural resource projects. At least 40% of this funding targets communities most impacted by climate change and pollution. The money will fund grants for projects that mitigate bacteria and trash, address public health concerns, and support restoration efforts.

The sewage, which flows into the Pacific Ocean, releases hydrogen sulfide, a harmful gas. According to the CDC, this gas poses various health risks, including respiratory issues and neurological damage. The long-term health effects are still being studied.

Phillip Musegaas, executive director of the San Diego Coastkeeper, noted the urgency of this funding, although it only covers a small fraction needed to fully tackle the crisis. He stressed the need for additional federal funding to enhance wastewater infrastructure.

Governor Newsom urged the Trump administration to commit to a long-term solution. “California has stepped up repeatedly, but we can’t solve a decades-long federal failure on our own. The Trump administration must honor its commitments and provide lasting solutions,” Newsom stated.