Illinois State Senator Chapin Rose introduced a new bill on January 17, 2025, aimed at prohibiting carbon sequestration activities over federally designated sole source aquifers. This legislation, designated as SB0182, seeks to amend the Environmental Protection Act to ensure the protection of these crucial water supplies.
The bill specifies that no person or entity is allowed to conduct carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) operations over any sole source aquifer, such as the Mahomet Sole Source Aquifer, a critical water supply for central Illinois. This provision is set to prevent potential contamination risks associated with CCS technologies, which involve capturing carbon dioxide emissions and storing them underground to mitigate climate change.
Under the proposed legislation, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is also barred from issuing permits for carbon sequestration activities if they are to take place over any sole source aquifer. This is a preventive measure intended to maintain the purity and availability of water from these aquifers, which are the primary source of drinking water for their respective areas.
“Clean water is not negotiable,” said Sen. Rose. “The Mahomet Aquifer is a lifeline for central Illinois, and we cannot keep ignoring the risks posed by CO2 storage beneath it,” he continued.
In 2024 Rose joined Sen. Paul Faraci on SB 3968 after Gov. JB Pritzker signed SB 1289, known as the Safety and Aid for the Environment in Carbon Capture and Sequestration Act, into law.
With the passage of SB 1289, the 103rd Illinois General Assembly and Governor JB Pritzker authorized underground carbon storage across the state’s aquifers, aiming to bolster carbon capture technology. This method is designed to combat climate change by capturing and storing carbon dioxide emissions underground. The legislation cleared the House with a 78-29 vote and the Senate with a 43-12 tally, while two senators abstained. However, amid growing concerns over the impact of carbon sequestration on vital water sources, SB 3968 was introduced to specifically safeguard sole-source aquifers such as the Mahomet Aquifer. Unfortunately, SB 3968 was filed Session Sine Die on January 7, halting its progress.
Rose’s new bill has been met with support from various environmental groups and local communities who rely on these aquifers for their daily water needs. Rose encourages residents to join his petition.
