SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif — An environmental policy package was proposed by Supervisor Nora Vargas that is aimed toward frontline communities impacted by pollution.
Supervisor Nora Vargas of District 1 proposed five policies in this environmental policy package.
- Declaration of pollution at the Tijuana River Valley as a public health crisis
- Creation of the South County Environmental Justice Taskforce comprised of Federal, State, and local representatives from agencies, environmental justice organizations, and residents, to advocate for additional resources.
- County’s adoption of a Regional Sustainability Plan
- Establishment of a Climate Advisory Committee
- Adoption of the framework for County’s Climate Action Plan
Vargas says the county needs to build back an economy with a recovery plan that is more racially, socially, economically, and environmentally appropriate and fair.
Vargas added that the winter storm coming in on Thursday is a perfect example of the impact the Tijuana River Valley has on San Diego and its shoreline, “the sewage and contamination and has directly impacted the health of our communities for too many years so we need to look at this as a healthcare crisis.” She went on to say, “there’s funding so we’re waiting for from the EPA ride we continue to push the coming down here but we’re going to continue to fight pressure on the Mexican government to make sure that this is addressed.”
During a press conference on Thursday, Vargas said the county is approaching budget season and that it is the perfect time to push this environmental policy package.