Environmental Policy Developments: Tijuana River Sewage Crisis and NYC Rezoning Lawsuit

The Tijuana River sewage crisis is nearing resolution following a historic agreement between the U.S. and Mexico. According to Breitbart News, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a Memorandum of Understanding that commits $350 million from the U.S. and $144 million from Mexico to sewage management projects.

This comes as the crisis has seen over 100 billion gallons of untreated sewage and industrial waste flow into San Diego County since 2018, prompting beach closures and health concerns. The agreement includes developing a Tijuana water infrastructure master plan and building a new wastewater treatment plant by December 2028.

Meanwhile, in New York City, a community group has filed a lawsuit against the city's Midtown South rezoning, arguing that the plan violates state environmental laws and residents' constitutional right to a healthy environment.

The lawsuit, reported by amNewYork, claims the city failed to properly assess environmental impacts and risks associated with the rezoning, which allows for significant residential development in an area previously limited to office and manufacturing uses.

The Midtown South plan was approved in August and is intended to address housing shortages, but critics highlight concerns over air quality and displacement risks.