In a massive ongoing sewage contamination crisis in the Tijuana River Valley, California legislators are asking President Donald Trump to declare a national state of emergency.
See the tweet below!
This hazardous situation could pose severe threats to public health, impacting economies and the environment.
With Assembly Joint Resolution 16, they hope for a federal intervention that has been long overdue.
California state lawmakers are loudly calling for President Trump to declare a state of emergency due to the relentless sewage pollution from Mexico that is infiltrating the Tijuana River Valley and neighboring communities.
For years, toxic wastewater, specifically from Mexico, has flowed into California, leading to devastating impacts on public health and local economies.
There’s an urgent need for federal intervention, as these toxic spills continue to cause beach closures, tourism setbacks, and a growing list of public health concerns.
Despite several visits to the White House, Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre has criticized the current administration for not stepping up to declare this situation an emergency.
Her city, along with other areas like San Ysidro and Calexico, have borne the brunt of this crisis, serving as “sacrifice zones” due to cross-border sewage flow.
The White House under Trump’s leadership had previously demonstrated a readiness to tackle this issue, utilizing agencies such as the EPA, State Department, and the US International Boundary and Water Commission to orchestrate a comprehensive plan with Mexico.
Assemblymember David Alvarez and Jeff Gonzalez are spearheading this legislation, emphasizing the massive health risks and environmental dangers posed by this ongoing catastrophe.
They argue that this dire situation is not merely about water—it’s a public health emergency that necessitates immediate national action.
Their efforts through Assembly Joint Resolution 16 aim to secure the necessary federal resources to develop sustainable infrastructure and prevent further economic and environmental degradation.
The lingering pollution, especially in areas like Imperial Beach and southern San Diego, is a consequence of decades-old issues.
It has affected over 100 billion gallons of contaminated water crossing into California from Mexico since 2018 alone.
Recent research even shows that bacterial pollution from this transboundary contamination has adversely impacted the air quality in Imperial Beach.
Securing funding for essential infrastructure is at the heart of the Assembly’s bill.
It advocates for full financial backing for the EPA’s outlined infrastructure plan while emphasizing the need for investment to manage New River’s pollution efficiently.
Some lawmakers are unwavering in their resolve to ensure this isn’t just another crisis swept under the rug.
California Governor Gavin Newsom similarly failed to declare an emergency after his visit to the area, despite the evident dangers.
It showcases a need for more than political promises; decisive action must be taken to mitigate the compounded challenges faced by these communities.
Urging for a collaborative effort, those affected hope federal action aligns with their calls for an emergency declaration.
The California Assembly expects to vote soon on AJR 16, formalizing the request for President Trump and Congress to recognize the severity of this disaster.
Mexico has dumped 100 billion gallons of untreated sewage & industrial waste into the Tijuana Estuary & the Pacific Ocean via the Tijuana River over the last five years
As a result, just inhaling the air on SoCal beaches is comparable to working at a wastewater treatment plant https://t.co/2tEymtRQIT pic.twitter.com/UhdMNjJdaB
— skepticalifornia (@skepticaliblog) June 27, 2025
