MEXICALI BRIEFS: Field burning highly contributes to air pollution, man indicted for sexual abuse

22 December 2022

Published by: https://www.ivpressonline.com

MEXICO – ENVIRONMENT

Field burning highly

contributes to air

pollution, report says

Field burning contributes to about 27.3% of air pollution, according to a state Department of Environment report.

The report indicates field working contributes 6% of PM10 pollution, while forest fires represent 12% of PM2.5 pollution.

Since June, the state Department of Agriculture has been attempting to regulate field burning through a new state program.

In September, the issue was brought to the Ambientalízate Congress held by experts, nonprofit organizations and public officials.

A bill to regulate field burning introduced by Assemblyman Diego Echevarría is under consideration in the state legislature. However, some concerns were brought by the state administration which were addressed by lawmakers.

The measure is now heading to the Assembly Floor. The bill includes provisions similar to U.S. field burning regulations.

So far, Baja California legislation states cities must regulate field burning without additional provisions.

The proposal seeks to set city fire departments in charge of field burning along with local departments of environmental protection.

Lawmakers have met with growers and state officials to make sure the bill does not include any prohibitions.

State Secretary of Environmental Protection Mónica Vega expects regulations to soon become a reality.

City Director of Environmental Protection Manuel Zamora said field burning mostly occurs in the summer months.