January 11, 2022

Manchin, Capito Announce $1.5M For Next Gen Plastics Tech Research at West Virginia University

Project will advance technologies for plastic recycling, reduce plastic waste, and cut the carbon footprint of plastic production

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced $1,500,000 from the Department of Energy for an innovative plastics research project through the West Virginia University Research Corporation. This project advances next generation plastics technologies that reduce the energy consumption and carbon emissions of single-use plastics.

“Today’s announcement underscores the importance of the groundbreaking research conducted by WVU’s world-class students and faculty and the ongoing partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy. This funding will help advance technologies to reduce emissions from plastic production and enhance our recycling capabilities – innovative solutions critical to lowering our carbon footprint and improving the health and quality of our environment. I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of this project, and I will continue to advocate for funding to support research opportunities across the Mountain State,” said U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

“West Virginia University continues to be a leader in a variety of research fields across the higher education community,” Senator Capito said. “Funding like this helps create opportunities for our students and professors to take on projects that impact our communities by making a difference in the lives of our residents. I will continue to advocate for the support our higher education institutions need to further our research and development capacities in West Virginia."