### For the Use of Fireworks, Sanctions Again Sought Against Tijuana City Hall
**Published on September 16, 2024, by Angela Torres Lozano**
The Environmental Protection Agency is once again aiming to issue an administrative act against Tijuana City Hall for its use of fireworks on the night of September 15.
Despite an advisory issued on Wednesday urging all municipalities in the state to forgo fireworks in favor of drones for the Independence Day celebrations, the local administration, led by Montserrat Caballero Ramírez, chose to ignore this recommendation.
This isn’t the first time Tijuana has faced scrutiny over its use of fireworks. In 2023, the state’s Ministry of Environment sent requests for Mayor Caballero to account for the use of pyrotechnics during Independence Day celebrations, which she did not respond to.
This year, the same ministry highlighted high pollution levels recorded on September 6 and 8, urging the city once again to avoid the use of fireworks to prevent contributing to further pollution alerts.
Monica Vega, head of the Environmental Protection Agency, mentioned that the agency had a hand in updating the Noise Prevention and Control Regulations in 2019, which prohibit the use of fireworks. However, since Caballero Ramírez took office, these rules have not been followed.
“The specific case of Tijuana City Hall was mentioned in a prior advisory, stressing the importance of adhering to Article 28 of the said regulation, which explicitly bans the use of fireworks without exceptions,” read a statement from the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development.
The Environmental Protection Agency will act according to Article 112 of the Environmental Protection Law of Baja California to initiate an administrative procedure against Mayor Caballero Ramírez.
### Related News: High Pollution Levels Prompt New Measures
Following the recent controversies around Tijuana’s use of fireworks, the city’s pollution levels have become a significant concern. According to reports, the levels of particulate matter and other pollutants soared on the nights fireworks were used. This has resulted in calls for the implementation of stricter regulations and more robust enforcement to ensure that air quality standards are maintained.
Local environmental groups have expressed their dismay over the situation, highlighting the adverse health effects that high pollution levels can have on vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory issues.
A new proposal from state legislators aims to give more power to environmental agencies to enforce existing regulations and impose harsher penalties on those who violate them. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to combat air pollution in the region and promote sustainable practices.
As Tijuana continues to face the repercussions of its recent fireworks displays, the focus shifts to how the city will adapt and comply with environmental guidelines moving forward.