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RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) AND THE FEDERAL ADMINISTRATION PRESERVE THE DULUTH, MINNESOTA OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AND ITS FRESHWATER MISSION.
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BY COUNCILOR DURRWACHTER:
WHEREAS, the Duluth office of the United States Environmental Protection Agency Research and Development Lab (“DULUTH EPA LAB”) is a world-class research organization, and the research conducted by scientists in Duluth is necessary to protect water quality in Duluth and in greater Minnesota;
WHEREAS, the DULUTH EPA LAB is recognized as a leader in advancing scientific knowledge on the effects of stressors on the water resources of the Great Lakes and how these stressors impact communities and people;
WHEREAS, all states in the United State use the water quality criteria developed by the DULUTH EPA LAB and the EPA scientists in Duluth are leaders worldwide in freshwater toxicology and environmental assessment;
WHEREAS, by providing 136 jobs, the DULUTH EPA LAB laboratory contributes $6.4 million in disposable income and over $8.6 million on contracts, grants, and supplies and equipment to the local and regional economy, which in turn has a broader impact by creating additional regional jobs and spending;
WHEREAS, the DULUTH EPA LAB is a global leader in studying the ecological risks of PFAS or "forever chemicals" on aquatic life and measuring PFAS in animal tissues, which is critical to protecting the health of Minnesota waterways and the people who enjoy the waterways;
WHEREAS, the five Great Lakes contain 21 percent of the world’s surface fresh water, forming the largest body of fresh water in the world and roughly 40 million people in the United States and Canada rely on the Great Lakes as a drinking water source, making them a critical resource for public health; and research and development at the DULUTH EPA LAB includes comprehensive programs to monitor, assess and predict the condition of Great Lakes waters and coastal systems;
WHEREAS, the DULUTH EPA LAB has been instrumental in providing data, analytical expertise and guidance to address “Beneficial Use Impairments” (BUI’s) in the St. Louis River areas of concern and in supporting Minnesota to meet its Great Lakes Restoration Initiative target dates; and
WHEREAS, scientists at the DULUTH EPA LAB have developed methods for measuring ecological, public health, economic and social benefits of remediation and restoration of contaminated sites therefore ensuring that future generations can enjoy this unique national treasure.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Duluth city council strongly urges the EPA and the federal administration to preserve all funding for the DULUTH EPA LAB and its workers to prevent threatened harm from the loss of 136 family-supporting jobs and valuable, independent scientific research and to acknowledge that preserving the DULUTH EPA LAB and its freshwater mission is essential to Duluth’s economy and the quality of its waters--including the St. Louis River Estuary and Lake Superior--on which the Duluth community and the larger region relies for health, welfare, and economic well-being.
WHEREAS the letter carriers of Duluth maintain the highest level of professionalism in their duties to deliver the mail in a timely and professional manner, and whereas the letter carriers of our city go above and beyond in their duties by caring for all the residents of Duluth, having shown their generosity of heart by participating in the Stamp Out Hunger campaign to collect food and funds to support our local food shelf, and whereas our letter carriers are also a part of what makes this city a caring community by reporting concerns of distress for a resident to their supervisor or local postal authorities,
THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Duluth City Council stands in solidarity with the National Federation of Letter Carriers and their members and strongly opposes any effort to reduce their numbers or privatized the USPS.
WHEREAS: Federal Prison Camp (FPC) in Duluth has long been recognized as a model institution-operating with integrity, professionalism, and a strong commitment to its mission. It not only upholds the standards of the Bureau of Prisons but also provides stable, meaningful employment for nearly 90 dedicated individuals whose work is vital to our regional economy and community well-being.
WHEREAS: the abrupt closure of FPC Duluth would have far-reaching and devastating consequences-not only for the employees and their families, but also for the broader Duluth area, which benefits greatly from the facility's presence and economic impact.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Duluth City Council stands firmly in solidarity with the hardworking members of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 3935 and all employees at FPC Duluth. Its continued presence is not only a matter of economic stability-it is a matter of community strength and fairness.
Resolution Supporting Preservation of AmeriCorps VISTA Positions in Duluth
WHEREAS, AmeriCorps VISTA members play a vital role in addressing poverty, building community capacity, and supporting nonprofits across Duluth; and
WHEREAS, eliminating or reducing VISTA funding would harm local efforts to expand opportunity and serve vulnerable populations;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the City of Duluth urges continued federal support for the AmeriCorps VISTA program and its local positions;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be shared with Duluth’s congressional delegation as a statement of community support
WHEREAS, plans for layoffs affecting the US Forest Service has implications for managing local wildfire risk, impact on public lands and recreation, impact on economic use of forest lands for vital industries like forest harvest for manufacturing and local employment. The city council urges reconsideration.
WHEREAS, National Park Service layoffs in Duluth area could lead to reduced services, longer wait times and potentially shuttered facilities, impacting local economic tourism activity for the Duluth area. The city council urges reconsideration
WHEREAS, Duluth depends on strong public education and medical research to ensure a healthy, skilled, and prosperous community; and
WHEREAS, federal funding through the Department of Education and the NIH directly supports local schools, students, and research at institutions like UMD;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the City of Duluth urges continued and increased federal investment in education and NIH programs;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be shared with Duluth’s congressional delegation to affirm community support.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This Resolution strongly urges that the United States EPA and federal administration act to preserve the Duluth EPA Lab in recognition of the critical role it performs in protecting the health of the Great Lakes. The work of the Duluth EPA Lab protects the health of our waterways, ensures safe drinking water for millions of people in the United States, supports a local and regional economy, and increases public health.