LAREDO, TX – Seeking to implement actions to address the pollution challenges facing the U.S.-Mexico border region, the government of Tamaulipas, through the Secretariat of Urban Development and Environment (SEDUMA), presented the “Border 2025” Program.
The program seeks to address the most pressing environmental and public health risks to the well-being of border communities, and to promote collaboration between federal, state, municipal governments, indigenous tribes, and civil society.
During the presentation, which took place at the Public Works building in the city of Laredo, Texas, SEDUMA head Karina Lizeth Saldívar Lartigue highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in environmental protection and preservation of natural resources to present tangible results.
“Our region faces significant environmental challenges, from the management of water resources to the conservation of biodiversity; the proper management of waste and the fight against pollution. These problems know no borders, and it is only through regional collaboration that we can effectively address them,” said Saldívar.
The official expressed that the government of Tamaulipas is committed to the protection and preservation of natural capital, recognizing that actions and decisions have a direct impact on the environment and the quality of life of communities, emphasizing the importance of sharing knowledge and successful experiences in environmental management.
In addition, the need to exchange information and best practices between the two countries was underscored. The meeting was attended by the mayor of Laredo, Texas, Victor Treviño; the regional administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Earthea Nance; representatives of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, and leaders of the EPA’s Office of Tribal and International Affairs (OITA).
In addition, representatives from the Secretaries of Ecology and Environment of Coahuila and Nuevo Leon, as well as from various U.S. border cities, participated virtually. Representatives from SEMARNAT, PROFEPA, the municipality of Nuevo Laredo and business chambers also participated.
The main objective of the meeting was to present the current environmental situation and the actions being taken to address it. It was announced that in October a call will be launched by the EPA to present projects that can aspire to non-repayable funds provided by NADBank, with a limit of up to 100 thousand dollars.
Subsequently, the rules of operation will be announced for the development of proposals in the four central themes of the program: reduction of air pollution, improvement of water quality, promotion of sustainable management of materials and waste, and strengthening of preparedness and response to hazardous environmental emergencies.
To ensure the effective implementation of the Border 2025 Program, SEMARNAT and EPA will provide guidance and oversight to the coordinating agencies, ensuring that the objectives are met and promoting long-term environmental conservation in this critical region for both countries.
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