SPOKANE, Wash. – Congressman Michael Baumgartner has reached out to the U.S. Health Secretary, advocating for the reopening of a safety lab in Spokane’s Logan neighborhood.
The lab, which focused on workplace safety for miners, farm workers, and wildland firefighters, was closed in April. This resulted in 90 staff members being notified of layoffs by the end of June as the health department aimed to reduce its workforce.
While similar facilities in West Virginia and Ohio have resumed operations, the closure of the Spokane lab has left Western states without dedicated research.
Baumgartner acknowledged the federal government’s downsizing efforts but emphasized the importance of occupational safety, especially with plans to reopen coal and mineral mines nationwide.
The health department stated that essential services would continue as they streamline operations. As of now, there has been no response to Baumgartner’s letter.
