Illinois lawmakers are working on a renewed effort to protect one of the state’s most vital water sources by banning carbon capture projects near the Mahomet Aquifer. After months of community feedback and discussions, both the Illinois House and Senate are moving forward with a bill that would ban carbon sequestration near this critical aquifer. This follows a pause on carbon capture proposals that were put in place last fall to further evaluate the technology and its potential environmental risks.
Carbon capture, also known as carbon sequestration, involves injecting carbon dioxide (CO2), a harmful greenhouse gas, deep underground. The goal of this process is to reduce the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere, which contributes to global climate change. While the idea of carbon capture has gained traction as a method to combat climate change, critics argue that it poses a risk to essential resources, such as drinking water, if not implemented with extreme caution.
Supporters of the new bill argue that banning carbon sequestration near the Mahomet Aquifer is necessary to prevent potential leaks that could contaminate the water source. The Mahomet Aquifer is a major water reservoir that provides drinking water for over a million people in Central Illinois.
The aquifer is considered a “sole-source” aquifer, meaning it is the primary and only water source for many communities in the region. The safety and health of this water source are of utmost importance, which is why Illinois lawmakers are taking steps to ensure that it is protected from any potential contamination that could arise from carbon capture projects.
A year ago, Illinois temporarily suspended carbon sequestration projects for two years to allow for more research and public input on the issue. Since then, the state has worked to balance the need to address climate change through carbon capture with the responsibility of protecting the environment, including water sources like the Mahomet Aquifer. Now, Illinois lawmakers are taking further action with the new bill, which would make the ban permanent.
One of the main advocates for this bill is Republican State Senator Sally Turner, who represents much of the area served by the Mahomet Aquifer. Turner has expressed that while she is open to the idea of carbon capture in other locations, she strongly believes that it should not happen near the aquifer.
Turner emphasized that the Mahomet Aquifer is too important to take risks with, stating that over a million people depend on it for their drinking water. Turner also pointed out that ensuring the protection of the aquifer has been a bipartisan issue, with lawmakers from both parties agreeing on the need to safeguard this water source.
“The biggest thing for me is it’s a sole-source aquifer. It’s the water for over a million people,” Turner explained. “I think that it’s really important that we make sure and safeguard that area.” Turner also highlighted the broader concern that many lawmakers think about how issues like this could affect their own communities.
She mentioned that while economic development is important and job growth is needed, lawmakers must also consider the potential consequences of carbon capture projects, particularly when it comes to the safety of the water supply.
Turner is working closely with Senator Paul Faraci, the bill’s chief sponsor, to ensure that the measure gets the support it needs to pass. Faraci, who represents Champaign, a community that also relies on the Mahomet Aquifer, is committed to finding a solution that balances environmental protection with economic development. However, Turner and Faraci are also open to further discussions with opponents of the bill to address any concerns or suggestions for amendments.
Andrew Rehn, the director of climate policy at the Prairie Rivers Network, an environmental advocacy group based in Champaign, also voiced his concerns about the risks of carbon sequestration near the Mahomet Aquifer.
Rehn pointed to previous carbon capture leaks at the ADM facility as evidence that such projects can sometimes result in unintended environmental consequences. Rehn believes that while carbon sequestration is a valuable technology, it should be implemented in areas where the risks are lower and the potential for contamination is minimal.
“We’re taking our aquifer, our sole source of drinking water, and we’re proposing to do an experiment under that aquifer. It doesn’t make sense,” Rehn said. “Let’s do this somewhere else. Let’s not do it under the aquifer. Let’s not induce those risks, whatever those risks might be. Let’s make sure the risk is zero for a sole source of drinking water.”
Despite the concerns, not all lawmakers are opposed to carbon capture technology. Republican State Senator Chris Balkema, who represents parts of the Bloomington-Normal area, acknowledged the potential of carbon sequestration as a way to address climate change. However, Balkema also shared concerns about the possible risks associated with such projects, especially if they were located near a critical water source like the Mahomet Aquifer.
Balkema, whose district includes areas where companies are working on sustainable aviation fuel, believes that Illinois must find ways to balance environmental protection with economic growth. He emphasized the importance of creating jobs in the state and ensuring that companies have the opportunity to grow and innovate. At the same time, he noted that protecting the water supply must remain a top priority.
“We have to grow jobs in Illinois,” Balkema said. “We have to find ways for these companies to produce sustainable aviation fuel, and we’ve got to do all of the above, protecting the environment and the water source, while not losing out to companies outside of Illinois.”
Balkema is open to further discussions when the bill is debated on the Senate floor on April 1. The bill recently passed through an Illinois Senate committee with unanimous support, signaling that it could make significant progress in the coming weeks.
Currently, Illinois has a moratorium on all carbon capture pipelines until July 2026. This pause gives lawmakers and environmental experts time to evaluate the risks associated with carbon capture technology and determine the best way to balance environmental protection with the state’s economic needs.
As the debate continues, Illinois residents and lawmakers are working together to ensure that the Mahomet Aquifer remains protected for future generations. While carbon capture technology has the potential to play a significant role in addressing climate change, it is clear that the safety of the aquifer and the water supply for millions of people in Central Illinois must come first.
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