FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS CONTACT:
September 19, 2014 Brenda Lopez 956.544.8352
PRESS RELEASE: Senator Cornyn and Congressman Vela Lead Bipartisan Letter to President Obama on Mexico’s Water Debt Owed to the U.S.
Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator John Cornyn and Congressman Filemon Vela sent a bipartisan letter to President Obama on Mexico's continual noncompliance with the 1944 Water Treaty and its impact on Texas farmers and municipalities. The letter was signed by more than 35 members of the Texas delegation. Pursuant to the 1944 Water Treaty, Mexico is required to deliver average annual allotments of water to the Rio Grande Valley. Mexico has continually failed to set aside adequate amounts of water to comply with its treaty obligations. To date, Mexico is behind on average deliveries to the U.S. by more than 385,000 acre-feet of water. Mexico’s water debt will continue to accrue unless significant deliveries are made. Pursuant to the treaty, Mexico is required to provide an additional 350,000 acre-feet to the U.S. next year.
As the letter to President Obama explains, “We write to voice our deep and continued concerns regarding the unacceptable water deficit accrued by Mexico under the 1944 Treaty authorizing water-sharing between our two nations for the Colorado River and the Rio Grande. We are frustrated by the lack of commitment from Mexico to regularly and predictably deliver water to the U.S. in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Treaty. The International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), charged with administering the Treaty and seeking technical solution to binational disputes, has not been successful in resolving this issue. We are approaching a critical juncture and feel strongly that the matter must be elevated from the IBWC to the highest levels of the United States Government in order to mitigate further harm to the U.S. and avoid detrimental impact to the relationship between our two countries.”
“Mexico’s inaction has gone on long enough," said Senator Cornyn. "As family farmers and residents along the Rio Grande in South Texas continue to deal with increasing water uncertainty, it is time for the Administration to take action and ensure Mexico lives up to its obligations under the treaty.”
“I thank my colleagues for joining me to send a message to the President that Mexico’s continual noncompliance with the treaty is hurting Texas farmers and municipalities," said Congressman Vela. "The United States meets its treaty obligations to deliver water to Mexico on the Colorado River, while Mexico continually fails to comply with its water delivery obligations on the Rio Grande River. Immediate participation by the U.S. Department of State and this Administration is urgently needed to encourage the Mexican government to comply with the water treaty.”
A copy of the letter sent to President Obama is attached to this release.
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