Mahomet aquifer bill passes IL House committee

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A plan to stop all carbon sequestration over the Mahomet aquifer passed the Illinois House committee Tuesday.

In 2024, Community members became worried when a carbon sequestration pipe full of liquid carbon dioxide had a leak, potentially contaminating the aquifer and the water. The Mahomet aquifer is the sole source of water for over one million Central Illinoisan.

Carbon sequestration is the process of taking carbon dioxide from the air, turning it into a liquid form, then, with a well, pump it into the ground. Its a method used to combat climate change, as carbon dioxide build-up in the atmosphere is causing a temperature increase across the globe.

Although the Mahomet bill gets that much closer to passing, it isn't in its original form many lawmakers were hoping. Under the plan, carbon sequestration will be banned over the Mahomet aquifer. However, one facility in the town of Gibson by One Earth will be allowed to continue their construction of a carbon sequestration plant.

Andrew Rehn the Director of Climate Policy for the Prairie Rivers Network said this deal stopped most of the opposition to the plan.

"[The facility] is not over the aquifer itself, but supplies water to one of the recharge areas that supplies water to the aquifer," Rehn said. "By passing this bill we significantly, significantly, significantly reduce the risk to the aquifer."

State Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Champaign) during the committee said she was not happy with construction still continuing near the Mahomet aquifer.

This proposal will also create a commission to study more on the aquifer and carbon sequestration.

The bill passed out of the House energy and environment committee on a 20-5 bipartisan vote. It will now head to the House floor for further debate.