### No Environmental Crimes Prosecuted in 14 Years in Baja California
According to a transparency request, no environmental crimes have been prosecuted in the history of oral trials in Baja California. This oversight occurs despite Mexicali, the state’s capital, frequently appearing in national air quality studies for its high pollution levels, sometimes reaching “purple alerts.” Such alerts signal air contamination severe enough to pose health risks merely by being outside.
Mexicali has even been considered one of the most polluted cities in Latin America, trailing just behind Lima, Peru, due to high airborne contaminants. Similar pollution issues affect the municipalities of Tijuana, Ensenada, and Playas de Rosarito, with many beaches contaminated by wastewater discharged by numerous businesses.
It’s astonishing that in Baja California, authorities have not penalized a single person or company for environmental offenses. The state hosts various polluting entities such as mining operations, livestock companies emitting methane, and a thriving maquiladora industry. Yet, information obtained through transparency mechanisms indicates no records of prosecuted environmental misconduct.
A transparency request identified with case number 020058424000660 reveals that since the implementation of the accusatory criminal justice system, no individuals or businesses have faced justice for pollution-related consequences. The judicial branch corroborates that since 2010, there have been no prosecutions, detentions, or convictions involving environmental crimes.
Recently, the Secretary of Environment, through Mónica Vega, boasted about suspending the Zahori plant, citing irregularities discovered after a fire (a recurring annual event). Although the company resumed normal operations following a supposed fine payment, the matter was treated merely as an administrative issue.
Moreover, a recent fire caused significant pollution but faced no repercussions beyond government scrutiny. The company in question, PIMSA, showed little concern over the incident. These instances and the transparency data confirm that Baja California’s governments regard environmental contamination as a secondary issue, alongside the consequent public health problems. Meanwhile, the economic interests of the contributing businesses override legal accountability.
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### Secondary Article: Progress in Other Regions on Environmental Issues
While Baja California has struggled to address environmental crimes, other areas have shown notable progress. For example, Mexico City has recently implemented stricter emissions standards for vehicles to combat air pollution. Additionally, organizations such as Greenpeace Mexico continue to advocate for more robust environmental protections and accountability nationwide.
In an inspiring case in Monterrey, authorities successfully prosecuted a major corporation for water pollution in the Santa Catarina River. The company faced severe penalties, including hefty fines and mandated cleanup operations. This case exemplifies how effective legal action can ensure environmental responsibility.
Furthermore, Quintana Roo has introduced harsher penalties for illegal deforestation in response to deforestation in protected areas like the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. These efforts signify a growing recognition of the importance of safeguarding the environment.
Baja California can learn from these examples to enhance its approach to environmental protection, ensuring that polluters are held accountable and public health is prioritized.