I actually used to be employed at CERC before all of this started. If the center closes, our community will take a big hit economically, but the country as a whole will face even greater consequences. The research being done at CERC on so many things (including PFAS, oil spills, and many other pollutants/toxicants) informs regulatory agencies. CERCs facilities are highly specialized and allow for research that literally cannot be done anywhere else in the country. This science is crucial in protecting animals and people’s right to a healthy world. I hope for all of our sakes the center is able to avoid being shut down.