Chambana Sun

State Representative Brandun Schweizer issued a statement on the filing of House Bill 5870, which aims to ban carbon sequestration activity around sole source aquifers. He stated, "I cannot be supportive of legislation that allows a region to be put at risk with possible water contamination and sequestration function failures." The statement was made in an August 12 Facebook post.

"My biggest concern with the newly signed legislation is the possible drilling in and around the Mahomet Aquifer, which supplies drinking water to my entire district and much of east-central Illinois," said Schweizer, according to Facebook. "I cannot be supportive of legislation that allows a region to be put at risk with possible water contamination and sequestration function failures. That is why I filed legislation in support of safe drinking water, a measure that should have been taken before the legislation was signed into law."

In his Facebook post, Rep. Schweizer shared a link to a news release on his official website. According to the news release, House Bill 5870 bans any carbon sequestration activity in and around federally designated sole source aquifers, including the Mahomet Aquifer. The bill also mandates the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deny permits to applicants who knowingly intend to conduct carbon sequestration activities around these aquifers.

Screenshot of State Rep. Brandun Schweizer's Aug. 12 Facebook post | State Representative Brandun Schweizer Facebook page

House Bill 5870 was filed on August 9 and prohibits any person from conducting carbon sequestration activity over any federally designated sole source aquifer. It also prohibits the EPA from issuing a carbon sequestration permit if it knows that the applicant intends to conduct such activities over these aquifers. The law will go into effect immediately upon passage.

According to the news release, Schweizer's drive to file this bill came after Governor J.B. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1289, which outlines a three-step process for capturing, transporting, and sequestering carbon. Senate Bill 1289 was filed by Senator Laura Fine on February 3, 2023. It passed the Senate on March 29, 2023, moved to the House but did not pass until May 25, 2024, and returned to the Senate that day. It was signed into law on July 18, 2024.

Senate Bill 1289 created the Safety and Aid for the Environment in Carbon Capture and Sequestration Act (SAFE CCS Act), which requires the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and Office of Homeland Security to train and support local emergency services personnel for handling issues related to carbon dioxide pipelines and sequestration. IEMA must also pay $5,000 annually to the Illinois Fire Service Institute for first responder training.

The bill further requires the Illinois Fire Institute to create at least one first responder course for those who may respond to a carbon dioxide release from a sequestration facility or pipeline. Additionally, it states that "the Illinois Commerce Commission may grant an application for a certificate of authority authorizing the construction and operation of a carbon dioxide pipeline if certain conditions are met," including applying for all necessary federal permits and holding public meetings in each county where the pipeline is proposed.

Schweizer was appointed to fill a vacancy in the 104th House District when Rep. Mike Marron retired. He is a retired US Marine Corps Master Sergeant and worked as a code enforcement inspector in Danville. He lives in Danville with his wife and sons and created Tiny Troops Soccer program, which teaches young children living on military bases the basics of soccer.