The city of Mexicali recorded very high pollution levels last month, according to local outlet reports
December was Mexicali’s worst air quality month of last year with very high pollution levels last month.
La Crónica newspaper reported that most of the days during December had a purple flag — meaning high pollution levels.
At 7 a.m. on Christmas the city had an air quality level of 281, which is dangerous for certain people’s health. However, poor air quality was recorded four hours before.
On Dec. 10 and 11 the city had pollution levels of over 180, while on Dec. 21 and 22 levels were close to 200.
According to the newspaper the city recorded only three days of good air quality in December.
Assembly member introduces pollution indemnification bill
A state lawmaker introduced a bill that seeks to make polluters accountable by mandating an indemnification to those affected by pollution.
La Voz newspaper reported that Assemblyman Diego Echavarría, of the conservative National Action Party, introduced a bill known as Environmental Responsibility.
The bill’s second chapter includes a provision to set indemnification parameters to those whose health is affected by poor air and water quality.
According to the bill’s Article 11 all those affected from pollution will be allowed to file claims against violators.
However, the proposal also includes provisions to reduce indemnification if claimants are also found responsible.
Indemnification would be estimated based on provisions set in Mexico’s Labor Law and other evidence introduced in the case.
Indemnification includes healthcare costs, medication, surgery, prosthesis and rehabilitation.
In case of death, indemnification would be given to the victim relatives.
Assemblyman Echavarría said in the bill’s text Baja California addresses serious environmental challenges, including poor air quality in Tijuana and Mexicali, as well as poor water quality in Ensenada and San Felipe beaches.
The bill seeks to provide residents and nonprofit organizations tools to file complaints and receive compensation from environmental violations.
According to the lawmaker, different from civil damage, environmental pollution leads to social damage that impacts everyone in general.
The proposal also includes provisions to permit solutions to environmental issues in a fast manner.
Active Coronavirus cases remain low
A state official reported Tuesday active Covid-19 cases remain low.
State Secretary of Public Health Adrian Medina said in a statement the winter achievement was made through people’s participation to prevent coronavirus contagion.
In the last week the state has recorded 749 active cases.
Mexicali reports 38 of the 805 statewide cases. Tijuana leads with 523 cases, the state official said.
At the same time, hospitalization rates remain under 2 percent.
Since the pandemic first hit Baja California the state has recorded over 170,000 positive cases and 12,317 deaths.
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