Texas State Senators have advanced a Resolution urging the U.S. State department to ensure Mexico meets its obligations under the 1944 water Treaty. The move follows concerns from state and Rio Grande Valley officials about the negative effects of Mexico’s failure to deliver water.
The Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Committee approved the resolution after hearing testimony from officials and farmers in the area. State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa (D) emphasized the economic and development challenged caused by the lack of water.
“The reality is that even commercially, the growth of the Valley is being stunned because we cannot issue any more builder’s permits because there is no water,” Hinojosa said. “Hopefully, the present Trump administration will be a lot more aggressive in trying to address the issue”
The Treaty requires Mexico to deliver a total of 1.75 million-acre feet to the U.S. over a five-year cycle. However, Mexico has not met its obligations, leaving the region in a state of crisis. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension estimated that the total economic value lost to South Texas because of the lack of irrigation is about $993 million per year.
State Senator Charles Perry (R) praised the efforts of Maria-Elena Giner, the commissioner of the U.S. International Boundary and Water commission. Under Giner, the IBWC secured an amendment to the treaty that provided Mexico more opportunities to deliver water.
Sen. Perry did mention that he would like the Trump administration to include the water treaty in their tariff negotiations.
“It would be nice to include water release under the 1944 treaty in those tariff negotiations so that we could get some relief in the Valley,” Perry Said.
Brian Jones, a farmer and board member of the Texas Farm Bureau, testified about his struggles in the Rio Grand Valley, where he has been forced to only plant half of his crops over the past three years. He expressed frustration with Mexico’s refusal to share water despite being in arrears.
“What is Crystal clear is that Mexico has no intention of sharing any amount of water they can capture for their own use,” Jones said.
Texas Lawmakers are calling for a stronger push from the U.S. government to ensure Mexico delivers the water owned under the 1944 treaty, which has become a critical issue for local farmers, businesses, and communities.
