Border Water Quality Restoration and Protection Act
Sponsored By: Representative Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-52]
In Committee
Summary
Creates targeted EPA programs and a U.S.‑Mexico border infrastructure effort to restore water quality and protect public health in the Tijuana River and New River watersheds. It directs EPA to build binational Action Plans, prioritize projects, and provide grants and technical help to fix sewage, stormwater, and pollution that cross the border.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Funding and plans for border rivers
The bill would create two EPA watershed programs for the Tijuana River and the New River. EPA would name program directors within 180 days and issue Action Plans within 1 year that list and rank priority projects. Action Plans must estimate construction and operations & maintenance costs and identify who will pay O&M. The bill would authorize $50 million a year for each program for fiscal years 2026 through 2036, and the IBWC Commissioner could build and operate priority projects inside the United States.
New Border Water Program Rules
This bill would create a Border Water Infrastructure Program to give grants and technical help to eligible entities within 100 kilometers of the border. Projects must address existing health or ecological harms and affect the United States. The EPA could set project cost shares and require partners to pay part of project costs. Projects in Mexico could get money only if they are listed in an Action Plan and approved by the EPA. The EPA could let a manager like the North American Development Bank get an advance annual payment to run the program.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-52]
CA • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-50]
CA • D
Sponsored 7/10/2025
Rep. Jacobs, Sara [D-CA-51]
CA • D
Sponsored 7/10/2025
Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49]
CA • D
Sponsored 7/10/2025
Rep. Ruiz, Raul [D-CA-25]
CA • D
Sponsored 7/10/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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