SPRING PREVIEW

Dates Dr. Stolp will available:

February 4, 1999

All weeks in March

First week in April

Dates Dr. Stolp may be available:

January 28, 1999

February 11, 1999

Tentative Spring Schedule:

February 15, 1999 - 2^nd Draft - incorporating case studies

February - March - fine-tuning

April 1, 1999: Presentation of paper to Dr. Schmandt, Dr. Stolp, and Dr. Ward.

Two Final Products: Cross-Cut of Research and Individual Case Studies

The cross-cut is the integration of all our research. It involves asking what do the case studies we have brought together tell us about water, economics etc. in the Paso del Norte?

The case studies will function as supporting documents for the cross-cut.

Possible Layout of Final Product:

Theme - Sustainable Water Development in the Paso del Norte

Chapter One: Water Supply and Demand

Chapter Two: River Management and Problems with Mexico, New Mexico, and Texas.

Chapter Three: Ground Water

Chapter Four: Municipal Use

Chapter Five: Agricultural Use

Instructions on Papers:

Do Not Send the 1^st Draft to the List Serve!!!

Email it directly to Dr. Scmandt and Dr. Stolp.

Guest Speaker: Pete Emerson – Environmental Defense Fund

Dr. Emerson is a senior economist at the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and is currently an advisor to the Texas Water Foundation and the Paso del Norte Air Quality Task Force.

The Project:

Since the 1960’s there has been an interest in air quality issues and the Paso del Norte. In the following years, several studies were conducted and conferences held concerning the issue.

The citizens of El Paso and Ciudad Juarez were well aware of the problem with air quality but believed they didn’t have the resources or access to make changes. Several of the barriers that stood in their way were the discrepancies between the two countries’ air resolutions, levels of enforcement and stages of economic development.

NAFTA opened an important window of opportunity by aiding in the formation of the Paso del Norte Air Quality Task Force. On May 7, 1996 the U.S.- Mexico Agreement was made. It defined the International Air Basin and created a joint advisory committee. The task force is community led bi-national effort to improve the air problem. Comprised of both local citizens and local regulators its main objectives are to address the trans-boundary government problem, specify pollution reduction regulations and build regional leadership.

Dr. Emerson believes the task force has been successful. It has implemented several pollution reduction programs and is continuing to develop more. He also said that the citizens are still very interested in these issues but that the major problems that they continue to face are national sovereignty problems and the distrust of the Mexican people.

During a brief question and answer session, several questions were asked pertaining to water. Dr. Emerson said EDF is looking into a cross-border water project, and believes a task force like the air quality one would probably be beneficial.

Happy Holidays!!!