San Diegans across the political spectrum worry a changing of the guard at the White House could bring major upheaval to the federal agency on the frontlines of the Tijuana River sewage crisis: The International Boundary and Water Commission or IBWC. The president of the United States appoints the IBWC leader and a post-election shake up could add uncertainty to the already precarious state of one of San Diego’s largest pollution problems. Treating millions of gallons of sewage spilling from Tijuana into San Diego is just one among myriad IBWC water management responsibilities along 1,255-miles of the U.S.-Mexico border. … With little recourse to hold Mexico responsible for the contamination, San Diegans historically pinned blame on the IBWC. But since President Joe Biden appointed Maria-Elena Giner to the top post in August of 2021, most agree she’s done a good job – despite a very low bar – and don’t want to see her go. 

Related articles:

• Latin Times: Gov. Newsom finally visits Tijuana River as local leaders say fixing treatment plant not enough to address sewage crisis
• Border Report: Work begins on $600 million plant to treat sewage from Mexico
• 10News San Diego: $400M project launched to tackle South Bay sewage crisis
• CBS 8 (San Diego): South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion will help minimize cross-border sewage
• Fox 5 KUSI (San Diego): Governor Newsom visits wastewater treatment plants in South Bay