Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed two bills targeting the health effects of the Tijuana River sewage crisis. One orders the state’s first update in more than a half-century to its hydrogen sulfide air standard. The other requires workplace protections for lifeguards, park rangers and others working outdoors in the Tijuana River Valley. Senate Bill 58, by state Sen. Steve Padilla, directs the California Air Resources Board to update the state’s air quality standard for hydrogen sulfide, which has not been updated since 1969, according to Padilla’s office. Senate Bill 1046, by Sen. Catherine Blakespear, directs Cal/OSHA to develop workplace standards to minimize exposure to cross-border pollution. Newsom signed the bill Sunday, according to Blakespear’s office. Both laws take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

Other Tijuana River news:

• San Diego Red (Tijuana, Mex.): CESPT builds tank to divert treated wastewater away from Tijuana River Basin
• Imperial Valley Press (El Centro, Calif.): California to overhaul decades-old air safety limit for foul, toxic gas
• State Sen. Catherine S. Blakespear: News release: Governor signs legislation to protect workers from Tijuana River Valley pollution