Rep. Juan Vargas is leading a bipartisan effort to request funding for the Environmental Protection Agency’s environmental programs along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Vargas, who represents south San Diego and Imperial counties in Congress, is joining with Democrats in the San Diego delegation and representatives from New Mexico and Texas in asking for $10 million in funding.
“It is critical to fund infrastructure improvement programs along the U.S.-Mexico border to protect public health, keep our beaches and waterways free from pollution, and prevent more sewage spills from impacting our communities,” said Vargas. “I urge the appropriations committee to make the funding of these programs a priority.”
In a letter to the House Committee on Appropriations, the bipartisan group also sought support for the EPA’s Border 2020 Program, which addresses border-wide air pollution, access to clean and safe water, material and waste management, emergency preparedness, and compliance assurance.
“It is the only federal program that can fund projects on both sides of the border, with all projects benefiting communities on the U.S. side of the border,” Vargas and the other representatives wrote.
