July—August 2022 Newsletter

An International Agreement to Address Tijuana/San Diego Pollution

*Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman speaking at the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico ceremony celebrating the agreement.*

U.S. and Mexican lawmakers and officials, including Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman, gathered on the border on August 18 to announce an agreement that outlines sanitation projects to be constructed in the San Diego-Tijuana region using $330 million from the U.S. and $144 million from Mexico. The projects are expected to result in a 50% reduction in the number of days of cross-border wastewater flow in the Tijuana River and an 80% reduction in the volume of untreated wastewater discharged to the Pacific Ocean by 2027. “We have more urgency than ever to upgrade the infrastructure needed to stop the cross-border pollution that burdens communities in the region. Today’s commitments finalize the binational agreement to fund the comprehensive set of projects that will thwart the pollution harming these communities and Tijuana River Valley ecosystems,” said EPA’s Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman.

KPBS San Diego: Mexico and US agree to clean up cross-border pollution
News Release

EPA Leaders Meet with Nevadans on Climate Change

Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman stands at far left; Administrator Michael Regan is at the podium in front of Lake Mead where the receding water levels are a stark example of climate change.

EPA Administrator Michael Regan and Regional Administrator Martha Guzman recently visited Lake Mead in Nevada to discuss the extreme heat, drought, and environmental justice challenges brought about by climate change. EPA is committed to equitably investing in communities as they develop resilient infrastructures to cope with the changing climate. The EPA leaders were joined by U.S. Representatives Susie Lee, Steven Horsford and other elected officials.

Boulder City Review: EPA head joins Lee, Horsford to discuss drought
8NewsNow: EPA chief puts priority on ‘environmental justice’ during Las Vegas visit

Vacant to Vibrant – A Brownfields Initiative in the Pacific Southwest

EPA, in collaboration with the Center for Creative Land Recycling, is launching a new initiative to share exciting, historic funding opportunities in the Pacific Southwest region. The Vacant to Vibrant initiative will utilize newly authorized (through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) funding to support community infrastructure and reinvestment. EPA’s Pacific Southwest Brownfields Team is now connecting with communities to help them access these resources to safely clean up and transform brownfields, create jobs and support local wealth building.

Enforcement Update

Protecting Communities from Illegal Disinfectants

EPA has reached settlements with two companies that have been selling and distributing illegal disinfectants. The sale of unregistered disinfectants poses health risks to historically marginalized and overburdened communities. EPA has committed to enforcing environmental regulations to protect public health and advance environmental justice. “By taking action against companies selling disinfectants that are not effective, do not meet our safety standards, or make false claims, EPA is protecting the public as we all continue to face COVID-19 challenges,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman.

Roseville Today: 99 Cents Only Stores penalized by U.S. EPA for sale of unregistered disinfectants
CBS San Francisco: EPA orders San Francisco-based Wish to stop selling illegal, unregistered disinfectants

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EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region serves Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, the Pacific Islands, and 148 Tribal Nations.

The Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law on August 12. It represents the largest investment in history to combat climate change. EPA welcomes this crucial law which will bolster U.S. energy security, help families save money on energy costs and prescription drugs, reduce the deficit, and create good-paying jobs.

Administrator Michael Regan's Statement

Alert
Wildfire Preparedness

Wildfires and their smoke are a fact of life in the Pacific Southwest. EPA and other public agencies have resources to help people prepare for wildfires.

Drought

The western United States is currently experiencing a megadrought. Drought conditions can negatively affect agriculture, water supplies, energy production and human health, making water conservation and a resilient infrastructure crucial.

Public Involvement

EPA’s Pacific Southwest office encourages public engagement in addressing environmental issues through public meetings, events and other opportunities for public participation.

Public Notices, Meetings and Events