❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a nine-month reduction in project timelines aimed at resolving the decades-long Tijuana River Sewage Crisis impacting Southern California.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, the Mexican government, and local officials in San Diego.
📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced Thursday, addressing cross-border sewage issues between Tijuana, Mexico, and San Diego, California.
💬KEY QUOTE: “Reducing timelines for existing infrastructure projects is a sign of great progress and demonstrates how both the United States and Mexico are faithfully upholding their agreed-upon responsibilities from July’s MOU.” – Lee Zeldin
🎯IMPACT: The expedited timeline aims to mitigate pollution affecting San Diego’s tourism, Navy SEAL training waters, and local communities.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that it has shaved nine months off the timeline for two major projects addressing the “Tijuana River Sewage Crisis.” This issue has plagued the San Diego area for decades, with cross-border sewage from Tijuana, Mexico, impacting tourism, Navy SEAL training waters, and local residents.
“The Trump Administration is doing everything in its power to urgently and permanently deliver the 100% solution to the Tijuana River Sewage Crisis that the residents of Southern California have demanded for decades,” EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated on Thursday.
The sewage crisis stems from outdated wastewater infrastructure in Tijuana, which has struggled to keep up with the city’s population growth—an increase of approximately 188 percent from 1990 to 2025. The EPA completed a 100-day review of all related projects and announced significant progress in cutting red tape and streamlining efforts.
Zeldin highlighted the importance of collaboration between the U.S. and Mexico, referencing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in July with Mexican officials. This agreement ensures that all related projects, including the rehabilitation of Pump Station 1 and reconstruction of the Tijuana River Gates, will be completed by December 31, 2027.
“Through intensive collaboration, we were able to cut through red tape, identify efficiencies, and overcome bureaucratic hurdles. While substantial construction work lies ahead, this represents a crucial step in our commitment to protect American communities from cross-border pollution,” Zeldin added.
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