Springfield, IL – The Illinois Senate has overwhelmingly advanced a bipartisan bill aimed at safeguarding the Mahomet Aquifer, Illinois’ only sole-source aquifer, from potential environmental hazards, specifically from the threat of carbon sequestration projects. The bill, SB 1723, passed following concerted efforts by grassroots organizations and state lawmakers, with key contributions from Senator Faraci.
The Mahomet Aquifer, which supplies drinking water to millions of people in central Illinois, faces risks from carbon dioxide (CO2) injection projects. Advocates, including Andrew Rehn, Climate Policy Director at Prairie Rivers Network, voiced strong support for the bill but underscored that additional protections for the aquifer’s recharge zones are still needed. “A year ago, we were told discussions were closed, and the Mahomet Aquifer would not be protected,” said Rehn. “But the voice of the public had not yet been heard. Today, we are celebrating a major step forward.”
The legislation seeks to block CO2 sequestration projects that could potentially leak toxic substances into the aquifer, leading to severe health risks, including cancer and liver damage. Pam Richart, Co-Director of Eco-Justice Collaborative, highlighted the importance of the bill but noted that its current version does not extend protections to the aquifer’s recharge zones—areas critical for replenishing the aquifer’s water supply.
“While we celebrate the advancement of the bill, we also want to acknowledge that in its current form, SB 1723 does not include the Aquifer’s recharge areas,” said Richart. “We remain committed to ensuring those recharge areas, which are hydrologically connected to and replenish the Aquifer, are also protected from potential CO2 pollution.”
The bill’s passage marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to protect Illinois’ water resources, though advocates remain focused on securing further safeguards.
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