Senator Duckworth applauds $240 million federal investment to remove lead from Illinois water

(UI) — U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) celebrated the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement of a more than $240 million investment from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The funds will aid Illinois in identifying and replacing lead service lines, crucial in preventing lead poisoning among the state’s residents.

Duckworth’s efforts culminated in the passage of the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which marks the most substantial federal investment in water infrastructure to date.

"I’m pleased to see this significant EPA investment—funded by my Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act law—in Illinois to help communities across our state get the lead out of drinking water and protect our children from lead poisoning," Duckworth stated.

As a co-founder of the U.S. Senate’s Environmental Justice Caucus, Duckworth has been a leading voice in prioritizing water infrastructure improvements nationwide. Her legislation, included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, allocates over $15 billion for lead service line replacement, emphasizing support for underserved communities.

With Duckworth's law already in effect, communities can now begin the essential work of rebuilding aging water infrastructure, ensuring clean and safe drinking water for all while creating employment opportunities in the process.

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