Following two reports this week about plans within the federal government to shutter two of the 10 region offices of the Environmental Protection Agency, including the Region 5 office in Chicago, Mayor Emanuel issued the below statement.

"The report that the federal government is planning to close the Region 5 office of the EPA should be concerning to us all. At a time when US Steel is carelessly spilling dangerous chemicals into Lake Michigan, we cannot turn our back on the Great Lakes and allow the Trump administration to muffle the EPA. Whether you believe in modern science and thus believe in climate change or not, the fact is the EPA exists to protect human health and the environment. The administration's plan would be harmful to the environment and public health in Chicago, in Illinois, and in the entire Great Lakes region, and that should outrage all of us living in our nation's heartland."

Politico, April 12, 2017: Curtains for EPA regions?

Chicago Sun Times, April, 14, 2017: Sneed exclusive: City could lose its EPA regional office

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