Raja Krishnamoorthi gets WEF Public Officials Award

Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has been awarded the 2023 Public Officials Award by the Water Environment Federation (WEF) for his contributions in the areas of clean water legislation and advocacy for water safety.

He was given the award for his “documented, significant contribution in the areas of clean water legislation, public policy, government service, or another area of public prominence that resulted in improvements to the water environment,” according to a press release.

READ: Raja Krishnamoorthi ranked 24 among 50 Most Powerful Chicagoans (February 21, 2024)

Krishnamoorthi was recognized for his contributions and advocacy for water safety, including supporting the Great Lakes Restoration Act, the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Action Act, and local water projects from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“I want to thank the Water Environment Federation for the honor of the 2023 Public Officials Award and for their continued efforts to improve water quality across the country and the world,” Krishnamoorthi stated.

“Clean water is essential to a strong and functioning society, and since 1928, WEF has prioritized training its professionals in the field to make healthy and safe water a reality for everyone,” he stated. “I look forward to continuing to work with WEF and my colleagues in Congress to make critical investments in the water infrastructure on which we all depend.”

READ: Raja Krishnamoorthi receives 2023 Roosevelt Leadership Award (September 18, 2023)

The Public Officials Award is bestowed upon an elected or appointed public official who has demonstrated a notable and documented contribution in fields such as clean water legislation, public policy, government service, or other areas of public prominence, ultimately leading to enhancements in the water environment.

Krishnamoorthi was elected to Congress in 2016 and is now in his fourth term representing Illinois’ 8th District, which includes Chicago’s west and northwest suburbs as well as the 41st ward of the city.

He serves as Ranking Member of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, making him the first South Asian American in history to lead a Congressional Committee.

He also serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Committee on Oversight and Accountability as a member of the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs.

Born in New Delhi, India, Krishnamoorthi is the child of immigrants and was raised in Peoria, Illinois. He graduated from Princeton University with a degree in mechanical engineering and a certificate from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. He then graduated with honors from Harvard Law School and clerked for a federal judge before practicing law in Chicago.