Reps. Vargas, Peters, Levin, Jacobs Call on SBA for Support for Local Businesses Impacted by Tijuana River Pollution

June 15, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Juan Vargas (D-CA-52) , Scott Peters (D-CA-50), Mike Levin (D-CA-49), and Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51) called on the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide continued support for small businesses impacted by pollution in the Tijuana River Valley. Additionally, the lawmakers requested further information on what steps the SBA has taken so far to help local businesses. “As South San Diego County’s beaches continue to be impacted by untreated wastewater, sediment, and trash from the Tijuana River, South Bay businesses have suffered economically,” wrote the lawmakers. “While we continue to work with our Mexican counterparts to address the causes of the pollution, it’s important that we also take steps to support local small businesses impacted by the pollution and the consumers who rely on them.” “We are writing to ask that the Administration continues to work with us to address this crisis and its impact on South San Diego County communities and businesses,” continued the lawmakers. Addressing the impacts of Tijuana River Valley pollution is a top priority for Rep. Vargas and the San Diego Congressional delegation. Rep. Vargas and the San Diego Congressional delegation have secured over $650 million in federal funding – more than half a billion dollars – to combat the pollution and make critical upgrades to the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant. Additionally, the San Diego Congressional delegation has called for a federal state of emergency due to the pollution. Read the full letter here . ###