The Binational Air Quality Monitoring Fund (AQF) is a collaborative effort of the Joint Advisory Committee introduced by the states of Chihuahua and Texas with support from the state of New Mexico and the municipality of Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua.
The fund is a first-of-its-kind mechanism to support long-term, sustainable operations and maintenance in support of the air quality monitoring network in Ciudad Juarez, to ensure continuous air quality information for the entire air basin.
Air quality in the Paso del Norte poses complex challenges due to geography, population, as well as international jurisdictions. The air basin encompasses two countries, three states, three counties, multiple cities, and a sovereign Native American tribe. Over two million people live, travel, and trade in this mountainous region.
On February 11, 2021 the Joint Advisory Committee passed a Resolution to create two technical commissions that will have responsibility over a binational fund held at the North American Development Bank.
The fund is a first-of-its-kind mechanism to support long-term, sustainable operations and maintenance in support of the air quality monitoring network in Ciudad Juarez, to ensure continuous air quality information for the entire air basin.
Air quality in the Paso del Norte poses complex challenges due to geography, population, as well as international jurisdictions. The air basin encompasses two countries, three states, three counties, multiple cities, and a sovereign Native American tribe. Over two million people live, travel, and trade in this mountainous region.
On February 11, 2021 the Joint Advisory Committee passed a Resolution to create two technical commissions that will have responsibility over a binational fund held at the North American Development Bank.
The two technical commissions are made up of government representatives who advise the fund. The fund held at the North American Development Bank will solely support the purchases of air monitoring equipment and contracts to support the operations and maintenance of the air monitoring network.
Federal, state, and local government entities can contribute on a voluntary basis to the Fund. The private sector and foundations can also contribute.
Federal, state, and local government entities can contribute on a voluntary basis to the Fund. The private sector and foundations can also contribute.
The origins for the fund go back decades. Members of the JAC have for many years discussed the possibility of creating a binational air quality “trust” to provide funds for air monitoring. Since the JAC has no legal personality under its bylaws, the current approach creates two technical committees, the Fund Committee and the Administrative Unit, that provide recommendations. The fund itself is held at NADB and required by all donor agreements to subject those funds to the Fund Committee's direction.
The “Antecedents” portion of the Resolution describes many of the supporting policies and historic steps that led to the fund in English and Spanish.
The “Antecedents” portion of the Resolution describes many of the supporting policies and historic steps that led to the fund in English and Spanish.