Border Water Quality Restoration and Protection Act
Sponsored By: Senator Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
Introduced
Summary
Restore and protect water quality in the Tijuana and New River watersheds by creating a coordinated U.S. program that funds cross‑border infrastructure, science, and planning with Mexican and local partners. The bill centers on green infrastructure, water reuse, and priority project lists to reduce polluted flows into U.S. coastal communities.
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- Coastal families and recreation users: Aims to reduce polluted cross‑border flows that hurt public health, beaches, and wildlife in border towns such as Imperial Beach and parts of San Diego County.
- Local governments, Tribal authorities, and water districts: Makes States, local governments, Indian Tribes, and water/wastewater districts within 100 kilometers of the border eligible for grants, technical help, and planning support.
- IBWC, NADBank, and binational partners: Authorizes the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission Commissioner to design, build, operate, and maintain projects, allows NADBank or similar entities to manage implementation with advance funding, and makes Mexico‑located projects eligible if approved.
*Would authorize $50.0 million per year for New River activities for FY2026–FY2036, creating a new potential federal spending obligation if appropriated.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Border Water Infrastructure assistance program
If enacted, the bill would create a Border Water Infrastructure Program at EPA to fund planning, design, construction, and operations of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater projects. Eligible entities must have jurisdiction within 100 kilometers of the border and projects must help U.S. public health or ecosystems. The EPA could set federal cost shares case-by-case and may work with the North American Development Bank and deposit payments into EPA's STAG account.
New River cleanup grants and program
If enacted, the bill would create the California New River Public Health and Water Quality Restoration Program. EPA would set up the program within 180 days, and make an action plan within one year. The bill would authorize $50 million per year for FY2026-FY2036 for New River grants, with up to 5% for administration and EPA able to transfer funds to the IBWC Commissioner.
Tijuana River cleanup grants and program
If enacted, the bill would create the Tijuana River Public Health and Water Quality Restoration Program. EPA would name a Program Director within 180 days. EPA would issue an action plan within one year and update it every five years. The bill would authorize $50 million per year for FY2026-FY2036 for Tijuana grants, with up to 5% for administration and EPA able to transfer funds to the IBWC Commissioner.
IBWC authority to build border projects
If enacted, the bill would allow the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) Commissioner to study, design, build, operate, and maintain projects in the Tijuana and New River watersheds. The Secretary of State could make agreements with Mexican officials under the 1944 treaty, and the Commissioner would build and run priority U.S. projects as funds allow.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
CA • D
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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