By Ned Strong, Executive Director, LASPAU
One of the most important results of LASPAU’s work has been its contribution to the scientific and technological infrastructure of Latin American and Caribbean universities and research institutions. Of the 16,000 alumni of LASPAU-administered programs, over half work in the natural, applied, and social sciences.
Through a new program funded by a grant from InterGen Services Inc., a world leader in power generation, LASPAU will tap this alumni network and other leading scientists and academics in order to address one of the most difficult problems in northern Mexico: air pollution. The Border Ozone Reduction and Air Quality Improvement Program will examine effective, scientifically based and measurable methods to reduce ozone creation and improve air quality along the border region of Imperial County, California, and Mexicali, Baja California. The program will also address cross-border policy issues such as shared environmental standards and the purchase of emission reduction offsets or other mitigation efforts that achieve a similar benefit. The program is one of a number of InterGen sustainable development initiatives associated with its new Baja California power plant, La Rosita.
LASPAU began work on the program in the fall of 2002 by identifying and selecting an independent scientific advisory board from among its network of academic and scientific contacts. The board, comprising seven leading academics from the United States and Mexico with expertise in science and the environment, will provide overall program guidance.
The board will start by reviewing available data and assessing the current air quality in the border region. Where additional data are needed, the board will ensure that any information gaps are filled. Once a complete picture is available, the board will set priorities for investments in applied research. Proposals will be solicited in mid-2003 from institutions and individuals for projects designed to improve air quality. The board will then evaluate the proposals and approve funding for projects that have the potential to provide a demonstrable reduction in contaminants. For example, researchers who propose to work with small- and medium-sized businesses to change processes, train employees, or introduce new technologies resulting in reductions in air pollutants are likely to receive funding. In subsequent stages, the board will propose measures that will lead to the development of shared air quality standards in the border region.
InterGen’s grant to LASPAU is groundbreaking in that it offers an opportunity to apply knowledge gained through international education and on-the-ground experience to some of the most difficult problems facing the Mexico–California border. The company’s leadership in these efforts should result in significant improvements in air quality in the region.
If you are interested in further information about this or any other program administered by LASPAU, please see the Programs section of LASPAU's website.
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