Foster Applauds $160 Million Investment to Improve Water Quality, Boost American Innovation and Manufacturing

Naperville, IL – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) applauded the National Science Foundation (NSF) for awarding the Great Lakes Water Innovation Engine – an initiative made possible by the Chips and Science Act – with $160 million to implement their Great Lakes ReNEW proposal. 

ReNEW, which is supported by Argonne National Laboratory and over 50 partner organizations, uses emerging water technologies to remove chemicals, minerals, and critical materials from wastewater, allowing them to be repurposed by American manufacturers for the production of batteries and fertilizers – almost all of which are currently imported. 

Foster said, “Last Congress, my colleagues on the House Science Committee and I helped make NSF Engines – including the Great Lakes Water Innovation Engine – a reality under the Chips and Science Act, and I’m proud to see that work delivering results for Illinois. This investment will improve our water quality, spur research and production of clean energy technologies, and create good-paying manufacturing jobs.

 “As a PhD physicist who spent over two decades working at one of our National Labs, I’m proud that Argonne has been, and will continue to be, such an involved partner in this coalition. The expertise of their scientists is helping to position Illinois as a national leader for technical and scientific innovation, and this project is a prime example.”

The National Science Foundation’s full announcement can be found here. More information on the Great Lakes Water Innovation Engine can be found here. 

Foster represents Argonne National Laboratory as part of Illinois' 11th Congressional District. 

###