Klobuchar and Smith press EPA not to close Duluth lab

Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith are pressing the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin on reports of a reduction in staff at the EPA Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division (GLTED) Lab in Duluth, Minnesota.

The Senators called for the lab, which they say helps keep the Great Lakes water clean and safe and contributes $15 million to Minnesota’s economy every year, not to be closed and for career scientists not to be fired.

“We are very concerned about reports of impending staff reductions within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Research and Development (ORD), potentially including the Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division (GLTED) Lab in Duluth, Minnesota,” wrote the Senators. “Firing career scientists and shutting down a lab that leads the nation in freshwater toxicology research would have huge impacts on Minnesotans and all Americans.”

“Our entire country depends on the premier water testing protocols developed at this lab,” the Senators continued. “In addition to testing, the dedicated scientists in Duluth have developed effective tools to combat polluted water and protect human health. This dedication to science as a public service has directly led to cleaner, safer drinking water for our kids and grandkids, and these efforts will continue to be critical for years to come. Simply put, closing the lab or firing its staff without proper cause would endanger future generations of Americans.”

You can read Klobuchar and Smith’s full letter here.