U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today released the following statement on a report that the federal government is considering closing the Chicago-based Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5 office:

“If true, this report is shocking and I would strongly oppose the closing of the Region 5 office. We must not turn our backs on the safety, health, and future of the Great Lakes. Whatever the deficiencies of the Region 5 office, the folks there do play a critical role in protecting human health and the environment. In fact, it was my bipartisan legislation that would help make important reforms. I will continue to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle in opposition to any cuts to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the closing of this office. We must work together to protect the natural resources we all know and love.”