Environment, Energy and Great Lakes

Senator Duckworth believes that climate change poses grave national security, public health and economic threats to our nation that Congress must swiftly address. Already, Illinois and states across the country are witnessing more frequent and severe weather events that not only affect growing seasons, increase heat waves and intensify floods—they can also wipe out entire communities. Illinois is facing this global crisis head-on by supporting more than 100,000 clean energy jobs across the state. Clean energy—like wind, solar and biofuels—is not only good for the environment and our energy security but also helps support strong economic growth in Illinois. With the right investments, Senator Duckworth believes we can cut carbon emissions and provide clean affordable electricity for all, all while creating good paying jobs at the same time.

Senator Duckworth is also proud that our state is home to two National Laboratories—Fermi and Argonne—which work on cutting-edge, world-class clean energy research focused on mitigating the threats posed by climate change. Our National Laboratories represent America’s crown jewels in scientific and technological investments and Senator Duckworth is working to ensure sustained and robust funding for the National Laboratory system, which stands at the frontier of our nation’s scientific advances. 

As a mother and advocate for public health, Senator Duckworth understands how important it is that we protect our air, water and environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5 headquarters is located in Illinois, and every day its scientists and public health experts work to make us healthier and safer by cleaning up the Great Lakes and protecting children and families from toxic pollution. Senator Duckworth is committed to supporting EPA’s dedicated employees who work tirelessly across the region day-in and day-out. She is also working to ensure that programs like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative continue to help Illinois and the region thrive, while reaching across the aisle to help bring more resources to the Midwest.

As a co-chair and co-founder of the Environmental Justice Caucus, Senator Duckworth is proud that her bipartisan Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act DWWIA) was signed into law as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021. Senator Duckworth believes access to clean drinking water is a right for all Americans, and this sweeping legislation is helping communities replace lead service lines, repair and modernize failing wastewater systems as well as deliver environmental justice to communities in every corner of our state that have been ignored for too long—all while creating good-paying, local jobs.

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