07.26.24

Durbin Discusses Federally Funded Innovative Water Program At Argonne National Lab

CHICAGO – Today, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) visited Argonne National Laboratory to discuss the Great Lakes ReNEW initiative that will enable energy-efficient wastewater systems, reclaim critical minerals like cobalt and nickel, and remove harmful chemicals like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as “forever chemicals,” from wastewater. This initiative was awarded $160 million in funding through the CHIPS & Science Act.

Great Lakes ReNEW—which is backed by Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin—is working to transform the region into a decarbonized and “circular” water economy by reclaiming useful materials from industrial wastewater.  They aim to develop and deploy technologies that clean industrial wastewater and reclaim valuable materials from that water for reuse. This work will create jobs and promote a cleaner, more sustainable water economy in the Great Lakes. 

“Maintaining the health of our Great Lakes is critical to protecting our environment and water security well into the future,” said Durbin. “Current Water and its more than fifty regional partners like Argonne leading the Great Lakes ReNEW initiative will combat dangerous forever chemicals and ensure we have efficient wastewater management, all while creating jobs and keeping our water clean. ReNEW is transforming how we think about water, and that’s the sort of pioneering work Congress envisioned when we passed the CHIPS and Science Act. I look forward to watching this project deliver a cleaner, stronger Great Lakes Region.”

Durbin is a member of the Great Lakes Task Force and has led legislation to support and maintain the health of the Great Lakes region, including the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2024 to stop the spread of carp and other invasive species, restore coastline and habitats connecting our streams and rivers, clean up environmentally damaged Areas of Concern, and prevent future contamination.  

Durbin has also introduced bicameral legislation to address the excessive use of PFAS across the nation’s supply chain, which has led to the harmful compounds contaminating water sources, infiltrating surrounding environments and communities. The Forever Chemical Regulation and Accountability Act would initiate a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine study to review the persistence, bioaccumulation, and human health risks of PFAS and document current uses to provide guidance on designating essential uses.

Durbin has also introduced legislation to increase funding for scientific research at the National Science Foundation (NSF) and across the federal government. The American Innovation Act would guarantee 5% annual funding growth for five key science research agencies: NSF, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, NASA Science, and DoD Science. Increased funding for NSF would ensure the success of projects authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, including Great Lakes ReNEW.

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