WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced nearly $249,999 will be awarded to West Virginia State University (WVSU) from the Department of Energy (DOE) to address scientific and technical issues that are key to ensuring the nation can continue to rely on traditional resources for clean, secure, and affordable energy while enhancing environmental protection.

“Research and development of clean coal technologies is important not only to the future of coal, but also to the opportunities that are available for West Virginia students. Coal remains the lifeblood of West Virginia’s energy economy, and this grant will help us continue to grow and strengthen this important sector,” said Senator Capito.

“I am glad this funding will support cutting edge research at West Virginia State University,” Senator Manchin said. “Enhancing research opportunities at our colleges and universities will open doors for our students. This is crucial for West Virginia to remain competitive in the global marketplace and I applaud WVSU for their dedication to clean coal technologies and energy security.”

West Virginia State University (WVSU) Research and Development Corporation (Institute, WV) will investigate and determine a technically feasible and cost-effective process for designing photosynthetic organisms capable of sequestering selenium and nitrates from flue gas desulfurization (FGD) wastewater.

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