WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a letter sent today to senior members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, a group of lawmakers urged their colleagues to instruct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to restore and maintain its nationwide library system. The libraries allow the public and EPA staff to gather information about dangerous pesticides, chemicals and other hazardous materials, and Superfund sites that could pose a threat to the environment and public health.

“Closing these libraries would prevent people from finding out what hazards exist in their communities,” said Senator Lautenberg. “The Bush Administration is shutting out everyday Americans from information that will affect their family’s health.”

“We are concerned that EPA is already dismantling its unique library system without including the public or Members of Congress in the decision-making. Congress should not allow EPA to gut its library system, which plays a critical role in supporting the Agency’s mission to protect the environment and public health,” the lawmakers wrote.

EPA has already eliminated or reduced library service to the public and EPA staff in seven EPA regions covering 31 states and has closed its Headquarters’ library and is maintaining it only as a repository. (Attachment) EPA has also closed its pesticide and toxics program library, reducing access to unique materials needed to assess pesticides and other chemicals’ potential health effects on children.

A copy of the letter can be found on Senator Lautenberg's website in the Documents section of his Newsroom or by clicking here.