Chambana Sun

Springfield, IL – A bipartisan group of local legislators, including State Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet), sent a letter to Governor JB Pritzker urging him to protect a part of the Mahomet Aquifer from carbon capture storage. The administration had been negotiating the statewide storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) underground in Illinois, known as "carbon sequestration." However, the final agreement on carbon sequestration reached by Governor Pritzker did not include a ban on CO2 storage under the Mahomet Aquifer.

“The potential for leakage of injected and stored CO2 into our local water presents a clear danger. A threat which should be obvious given the earlier leakage of methane into the Mahomet Aquifer by the People’s Gas company. Given that history, why would any rational person think it is a good idea to take on the additional risk of storing more poison under our water?” questioned Sen. Rose. “But that is the deal that Gov. Pritzker cut,” he continued.

The Mahomet Aquifer is designated as a "Sole Source Aquifer" by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to the EPA, less than 50% of the population in its service area would be able to find an economically feasible alternate source of water if it becomes contaminated.

The interaction between CO2 and aquifer water can produce carbonic acid, altering the water’s chemistry and mobilizing dormant contaminants such as heavy metals like arsenic, posing significant health hazards.

“It amazes me that Governor Pritzker, who has claimed time and again to care about the environment, is now okay with storing this poison under our water supply,” said Sen. Rose “The Mahomet Aquifer is our most precious natural resource in central Illinois. He needs to quit playing footsy with pipeline companies, realize this is a mistake, and veto this bill.”

Sen. Rose encouraged the public to contact Governor Pritzker's office demanding he veto SB 1289. The bill has passed both chambers of the General Assembly and awaits his signature.

Editor’s Note: A copy of the referenced letter signed by bipartisan legislators demanding a permanent ban on sequestration over and under the Mahomet aquifer can be found at https://senchapinrose.com/letter-to-the-gov-mahomet-aquifer/.