Sacramento Report: Two Gubernatorial Candidates on Tijuana River Pollution

In the midst of a heated gubernatorial race, two of California's top Democratic candidates, Betty Yee and Xavier Becerra, have presented contrasting views on how the state should address the decades-long environmental crisis plaguing the Tijuana River. Located in South San Diego County, the river has been severely impacted by sewage pollution originating from Mexico, leading to significant health and ecological concerns for local residents.

For years, environmentalists and local officials have called for increased state intervention to tackle the pollution. The U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) has received nearly $700 million in federal funds since 2022 to upgrade water treatment plants near the border, while San Diego lawmakers secured $30 million in state funding in January for cleanup projects. However, county officials argue that the Newsom administration has not taken sufficient action, particularly in declaring a state of emergency at the site. Such a declaration would enable the deployment of additional state resources for improving water treatment plants and preventing sewage from entering U.S. waters.

Supervisor Paloma Aguirre, a vocal advocate for the Tijuana River cleanup, has repeatedly urged the governor to issue an emergency proclamation. These proclamations are typically used in response to natural disasters that exceed the capacity of local authorities to manage. Last year, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared more than a dozen such emergencies for windstorms and wildfires. However, the state faces a multi-billion-dollar budget deficit that is expected to worsen due to federal funding cuts to social services like Medicaid, making the allocation of emergency resources a contentious issue.

As the gubernatorial race heats up, several Democratic candidates have visited the Tijuana River to offer their plans for addressing the pollution crisis. Billionaire and former presidential candidate Tom Steyer was among the most recent visitors, pledging to declare the disaster a state of emergency if elected. Steyer's stance aligns with that of three other Democrats who have toured the site: former state Controller Betty Yee, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter.

Yee, who has also visited the Tijuana River, has emphasized the importance of state involvement in solving the problem. She has called for increased funding and collaboration between state and federal agencies to ensure a comprehensive approach to the pollution crisis. In contrast, Xavier Becerra, the other leading Democratic candidate, has taken a more measured stance, arguing that the federal government and IBWC should bear the primary responsibility for addressing the cross-border environmental issue.

The differing views of Yee and Becerra on the state's role in the Tijuana River cleanup highlight the complexities of environmental policy in California. As the race for the governorship intensifies, the candidates' positions on this critical issue will likely shape public opinion and influence the upcoming election. Residents of South San Diego County and beyond are counting on their elected officials to prioritize the health and safety of the Tijuana River and its surrounding communities, ensuring a sustainable and livable environment for all.