WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the House of Representatives accepted two measures by Congresswomen Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from closing the Large Lakes Research Station on Grosse Ile.

 

In August of 2018, the EPA announced the station’s tentative time of closure would be during March of 2019. Dingell and Tlaib’s amendments prevent the closure. Dingell’s measure prevents the EPA from closing or relocating any office or facility that houses either emergency responders or a criminal investigation unit responsible for carrying out the agency’s mission, such as the station on Grosse Ile. Tlaib’s measure stops the EPA from closing offices in regions that have designated Sulfur Dioxide Nonattainment Areas. The Grosse Ile station manages the Sulfur Dioxide Nonattainment Area in Wayne County.

 

“Closing EPA facilities or relocating personnel tasked with the ultimate responsibly to answer the call during an environmental emergency or investigate the cause and who to hold accountable in the aftermath is the wrong approach. Future generations will be less safe, and the health of our environment will be at increased risk,” said Dingell. “Our environmental first responders and investigators do tremendous good to protect the air we breathe and the water we drink. The closing of the Grosse Ile facility could do harm to our region. Along with Congresswoman Tlaib, I am dedicated to protecting our environment and the people of Michigan.”

 

“The EPA research station on Grosse Ile is critical for protecting our local environment and public health, including being home to essential emergency response capabilities,” said Tlaib. “High rates of asthma and hospitalization amongst children and adults alike in Wayne County and increasing issues with water quality and safety demonstrate the need for federal resources on the ground in our community fighting pollution and holding those responsible accountable. I’m proud to be working with Congresswoman Dingell to ensure that our Grosse Ile EPA office stays open and continues to protect our families and environment.”

 

###