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ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS, PROSPECTS ASSESSED BY U.S. AND MEXICO

Release Date: 05/20/99
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THURSDAY, MAY 20, 1999

ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS, PROSPECTS ASSESSED
BY U.S. AND MEXICO

On May 12-14 in Ensenada, Baja California, U.S. and Mexican environmental officials tallied the environmental progress and future prospects made along the U.S.-Mexico border at the annual Border XXI Program National Coordinators meeting. Compared to the situation in 1995 on the Mexico side of the border. By 2000, Mexico expects to provide 93 percent of its border population with drinking water---up from 88 percent; 75 percent with sewage infrastructure---up from 69 percent; and 81 percent with wastewater treatment capacity---more than doubling the 1995 capability. On both sides of the border, more than 4 million residents will be served by 16 water projects already constructed or under construction, all through investments of more than $400 million certified by the Border Environment Cooperation Commission set up under NAFTA. Agreement was reached to increase the involvement of federal agencies of both governments as well as nine border states. Tribal communities on both sides of the border were recognized as having a long tradition of environmental stewardship which calls for their active participation in Border XXI. Additional progress was recorded and plans laid for further progress in the areas of water and air quality, emergency response, hazardous waste, pollution prevention, public health and natural resources. Further information on the Border XXI Program and the National Coordinators Meeting can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/usmexicoborder or by email to: [email protected].



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