The world today has shifted its focus as the population growth and global climate change demand conservation and the sustainable use of water, air, and land, as well as the rational use of energy to meet the needs of a growing population without damaging the environment. The border region has long looked for viable solutions in a socially equitable fashion. To achieve or advance these goals, we must consider several areas considering the numerous restrictions in place. Although all initiatives undertaken are in full compliance of all the environmental regulations, agencies rigorously and systematically work to create new policy for the sustainable growth of the border region. Following the establishment of new policy, if and when appropriate, introduce and apply new legislation to address these innovative actions.

The U.S.-Mexico transborder region works within a bilateral policy to mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas pollution, stimulating growth in new green technology that will a strong clean energy economy. Furthermore, shared institutions are in place to manage cross-border ecosystems for purpose of protecting and maintaining a healthy environment. It has become a region that is mindful of its water-limited conditions, and for this reason values the development of water conservation measures; recognizing that the water supply in the region is scarce, but provides equal access to clean water. Many of these goals builds on current state-to-state collaboration, such as the Arizona-Sonora Regional Climate Change Initiative, which emphasizes developing a regional inventory of greenhouses gas emissions and identifying emissions reduction and energy efficiency opportunities. Arizona's climate change policy, outlined in Governor's Brewer's Executive Order 2010-06, further illustrates the region's commitment to these goals.

AMC Assigned Committees: Water | Environment

• Communities in the region will be mindful of the water-limited conditions, adopt effective water conservation programs, and promote the equitable access to clean water
• Environmental authorities will rigorously and systematically apply environmental regulation and full compliance will become the norm in the region
• The transborder region will adopt a bilateral action plan to increase energy efficiency and foster the use of renewable energy
• The region will develop and implement shared mechanisms to manage cross-border ecosystems.

• AMC's Water Committee coordinated workshops with high-level leaders from U.S. and Mexico to educate Arizonans on Sonora's water management policies, challenges and priorities in order to foster regional collaboration
• Acquired $500 federal funds to repair the Nogales, Arizona wash for the betterment of the region through the prevention of contaminating the water resources in the Santa Cruz County
• Collaborated with the Yuma Heritage National Crossing area to host and support the "Environmental Common Grounds" conference to promote and educate community stakeholders and innovative restoration techniques to preserve natural habitats along the Arizona-Sonora border
• Established an electrification system within the Mariposa Port of Entry, to enhance the energy conservation at Arizona's biggest port of entry, and minimized the air pollution from idling commercial trucks trying to cross the border
• Implementing solar panels on small schools across the border to generate renewable energy to diminish energy costs
• Following a meeting with the IBWC Commissioner Edward Drusina between the Arizona-Mexico Commission and the Santa Cruz and Nogales Greater Port Authority, they city of Nogales received federal funds to repair the cracks of the Nogales Wash, as it's estimated to cost millions for its full repair