Oregon leaders ask EPA to investigate impacts of tear gas on the environment

Several Oregon leaders are asking for the Environmental Protection Agency to investigate the impacts of sustained tear gas used by federal agents on people, air, land and bodies of water.

In a letter from Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with Representatives Earl Blumenauer and Suzanne Bonamici, they wrote in part:

"In addition to the direct health impacts on our constituents, we are also deeply concerned about the impact tear gas has had on Oregon's environment. State and local environmental and health agencies are investigating its impacts, and it is also the duty of the Federal Government to provide information that will help further these studies and make information about the environmental impacts of tear gas usage readily available to the American public."