Community research and action to reduce truck traffic impacts in the San Diego-Tijuana border region

San Diego has two border ports of entry with Mexico which are among the busiest ports of entry in the world. Health impacts on the Mexican side include truck traffic going through communities while traveling to and from the border to supply the large transnational maquiladora (factory) industry. Impacts to both sides of the border include very high levels of emissions from trucks waiting up to two hours in line to cross. On the US side, truck traffic leading from the border increases diesel exposure to homes and schools along the 905 freeway. Bi-national coordination and collaborative efforts have been developed. However, the different governmental structures and extreme inequity of resources between the two countries present obstacles to joint action to protect public health. Environmental Health Coalition (EHC) and residents of the San Diego community of Barrio Logan have won victories in getting heavy-duty truck traffic re-routed around that community, providing a model for similar efforts in the Tijuana colonias most impacted by truck traffic. EHC's community-led effort to re-route trucks serving the maquiladora industry has received support from both Mexican and US governments. The project, targeting streets where public schools are located, is a step toward a city-wide ordinance. However, a long-term solution involving retrofitting or replacing trucks will require a significantly enhanced bi-national collaboration in conforming legislation and sharing resources. As U.S. trade policy undergoes reform, the question of the public health cost of goods movement in the region will be important to consider.