Gypsy Jan - 8-9-2012 at 05:29 PM
From The San Diego Union Tribune
Written by Mike Lee Aug. 7, 2012
"The chief of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will join top Mexican officials on Wednesday in Tijuana to sign a blueprint for ecological
upgrades along the countries' 2,000-mile international border.
EPA's Lisa Jackson, Mexico Environment Minister Juan Rafael Elvira Quesada and other leaders will formalize an eight-year framework to address
high-priority environmental and public health problems shared by the United States and Mexico. Top issues include reducing air pollution, working to
boost children's health and improving access to clean and safe water.
The Border 2012 program - a precursor to the 2020 agreement - is credited with helping to reduce flooding, improve estuaries, boost drinking water
supplies, remove junk tires and prompt other upgrades in the region where 14 million people live.
The agreements also are deemed important for helping officials prioritize efforts rather than doing them piecemeal.
Entries due for water-use film competition
The clock is winding down to submit entries for the fifth annual Intelligent Use of Water Film Competition, which involves $15,000 in prize money.
The competition is open to amateur and experienced filmmakers who want to "showcase their creative filmmaking talents while raising awareness of the
need for effective, efficient and responsible use of water."
Judges will consider narrative, documentary, animated, experimental and/or student-made films that are one to 10 minutes long. Entries must be
submitted by Aug. 15.
Following the screening of the finalists' films and a round-table discussion with the filmmakers, two winners will be announced and awarded cash
prizes of $10,000 for the Jury Award and $5,000 for the Audience Choice Award."