Arizona Democrats Announce $2 Million for Water Reuse Tech in Semiconductor Manufacturing

Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ) led several other Arizona Democrats, including Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), and Representative Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), to announce the awarding of $2 million to Arizona State University (ASU) to develop, test, and demonstrate water reuse technology for semiconductor manufacturing.

The Context

As Arizona becomes a semiconductor manufacturing hub, ensuring water availability is paramount, ASU has received federal funds to identify optimal technological solutions through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) at the Macro Technology Works (MTW) facility in Tempe.

What Lawmakers are Saying

"Arizona is proving that you can lead the nation in semiconductor manufacturing and be a responsible steward of every drop of water," said Sen. Kelly in a press release. "This investment puts ASU's researchers to work on exactly the right challenge: making sure the industry driving our economic future can grow without straining the water resources our communities depend on. That's how we keep chip production strong and sustainable right here in Arizona."

"In Arizona, water is our most precious and sacred resource. As our state continues to lead the nation in innovation and build the economy of the future through advanced semiconductor manufacturing, we must ensure that growth is sustainable," Rep. Ansari commented. "The federal dollars my colleagues and I secured will help do exactly that, and ASU is a critical partner in driving the research, innovation, and commercialization needed to reduce water use and strengthen our resilience. Our future depends on it."

Sen. Kelly further added, "Arizona is a national leader in chip manufacturing, and we know how to manage water responsibly. This investment builds on that leadership by developing water reuse technology, creating good-paying jobs, strengthening American manufacturing, and protecting our water supply. It's a win for Arizona."

Finally, Sen. Gallego said, "Making Arizona's semiconductor manufacturing industry even more water-efficient will allow us to continue to create good-paying jobs and protect our state's water supply. Thanks to this project, Arizona will continue to lead the nation in community-beneficial innovation."