Chambana Sun

Senator Chapin Rose expressed his disappointment following the Senate Executive Committee's decision not to advance a bill aimed at protecting the Mahomet Aquifer. The aquifer is a crucial source of drinking water for approximately one million residents in Illinois.

Rose criticized Governor J.B. Pritzker and other Chicago politicians for their handling of legislation related to carbon dioxide storage beneath the aquifer. He stated, "Immediately after Gov. Pritzker (D-Chicago) recklessly signed legislation to allow dangerous carbon dioxide to be stored under the drinking water of 1 million Illinoisians, I was the first legislator in the state to file legislation to ban the practice permanently."

The senator acknowledged Senator Faraci's efforts in joining him with a similar legislative proposal, yet he voiced frustration over what he perceives as delays by Chicago lawmakers. "However, the same Chicago politicians who hurriedly rushed Gov. Pritzker’s backroom deal into law over Memorial Day weekend last summer... today refused to support our legislation... claiming they need 'more time' to study it," Rose remarked.

Rose emphasized his commitment to continue working alongside Senator Faraci despite the setback. He stated, "I want to thank Senator Faraci for standing alongside me in the fight to protect our drinking water... Nothing worth fighting for is ever easy."

He questioned why anyone would oppose clean water initiatives and pointed fingers at Governor Pritzker and his supporters, saying, "I just can’t understand why anyone would be against clean water? But, apparently, Gov. Pritzker and his allies are."