Business Leaders Urge Preservation of Cargo Crossings at Bridge of the Americas

The Mexican Association of Importers and Exporters (ANIERM) has filed a petition with the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) to oppose the U.S. General Services Administration's (GSA) plan to close commercial cargo crossings at the Bridge of the Americas (BOTA). This closure, set to begin next year, could redirect 190,000 annual cargo shipments to less equipped crossings, worsening pollution in Juárez. ANIERM's Chihuahua delegate, Marcelo Vázquez Tovar, emphasized the need for environmental studies to assess the impacts on local communities. The organization is currently awaiting feedback from the CEC and believes the project could harm both the economy and the environment of El Paso and Juárez.

Key Details: • Petition filed with CEC to review environmental impact of cargo crossing closure. • Closure could shift 190,000 cargo shipments annually to Ysleta-Zaragoza, increasing pollution. • Current BOTA has 14 inspection booths for vehicles; planned increase to 40 booths. • No federal dialogue has occurred regarding the closure affecting local maquiladoras.