Rep. Calvert statement on the EPA's animal welfare announcement

Statement

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) issued the following statement in response to the EPA's announced efforts to reduce animal testing:

"As a long-time animal welfare advocate, I applaud the EPA's efforts to reduce testing on animals. For years I have pushed for humane alternatives to animal testing, so to see EPA take this step is incredibly rewarding. I thank EPA for recognizing that we can protect animals and taxpayers by curbing the use of animals in research projects where scientifically-proven alternatives are readily available."

The EPA announced it was awarding $4.25 million to advance research on alternative methods to testing. The University of California Riverside (UCR) was one of five universities selected by the EPA to conduct this research. Specifically, UCR will conduct research using human cells to develop a cost-effective endpoint to characterize potential skeletal embryotoxicants.

Last Congress, as the Chairman of the Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, Rep. Calvert included a number of provisions and resources to facilitate EPA's efforts to reduce animal testing in the Fiscal Year 2019 appropriations bill.

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