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Council hears resolution urging federal retention of Duluth EPA research office and freshwater mission
Summary
Councilors introduced and discussed a resolution asking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the federal administration to preserve the Duluth Office of Research and Development and its freshwater research mission; a councilor noted the office employs 136 people and conducts PFAS and freshwater work tied to local water quality.
The Duluth City Council reviewed a resolution requesting that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the federal administration preserve the Duluth Office of Research and Development and its freshwater mission.
Councilor Drew Wachter, who said the EPA facility is in his district, described the office as a unique national research program, noting it employs "136 people, plus contract jobs" and has specialized expertise protecting the lake from PFAS chemicals. He said the office contributed to cleanup work on the St. Louis River that helped make parts of the waterway swimmable.
Councilors framed the resolution as a local economic and environmental priority given the research office's role in protecting regional water quality and supporting local jobs. The council did not vote on the resolution during the session; it was read into the record for future consideration.
