Durbin, Duckworth Announce $2.6 Million To Address Air Pollution In The Great Lakes Region
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced $2,674,331 forthe Lake Michigan Air Directors Consortium (LADCO) from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help support member states' air pollution control programs to understand and address air pollution problems in the Great Lakes Region.
“The Great Lakes have long been a source of life and livelihood forcountless communities, providing drinking water for millions, supporting industries, and fostering diverse ecosystems,” said Durbin.“We’ve witnessed the harmful effects of air pollution on the health of our residents, particularly vulnerable communities near industrial sites and transportation hubs. This federal funding will allow us to safeguard the Great Lakes for future generations, ensuring they inherit a region blessed with clean air, vibrant ecosystems, and opportunities for prosperity.”
“The Great Lakes are the source of drinking water for tens of millions of Americans and support millions of jobs,” said Duckworth.“As co-founder of the Senate Environmental Justice Caucus, I’m glad this support from the EPA will help protect the health of this precious natural resource. I’ll keep working to help ensure every American has better access to clean, safe air and water.”
LADCO is a non-profit organization formed in 1989 by the air pollution control directors of the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin to conduct scientific research, provide technical support, and promote the exchange of information between the states. The purpose of this funding is to provide LADCO with the resources required to assist states that border Lake Michigan with technical assistance, training, and a forum to discuss air quality issues.
-30-