Chambana Sun

Legislation sponsored by Senators Paul Faraci and Chapin Rose aimed at permanently banning CO2 storage under the Mahomet Aquifer has passed the Illinois Senate. Senate Bill 1723, which focuses on safeguarding central Illinois' critical water source, will now move to the Illinois House.

Senator Chapin Rose expressed his satisfaction with the Senate's decision, stating, "This is a huge win for the people of central Illinois who stood up and demanded action to protect their clean water. We pushed hard to get this bill through the Senate, and now it's time for the House to do the same. I truly appreciate the support and help from Senator Faraci to get this passed."

The Mahomet Aquifer, a Sole Source Aquifer, is crucial for providing drinking water to over a million residents in central Illinois. Senator Rose initiated action following Governor JB Pritzker's approval of Senate Bill 1289 last year, which permitted carbon sequestration under the aquifer. The approval sparked a strong bipartisan backlash from residents concerned over the water supply's safety.

"From the moment Governor Pritzker signed off on this reckless policy, I've been fighting to reverse it," Rose said. "Senator Faraci and I got to work, and now, the Senate has passed this bill."

Despite the Senate's approval, Rose called for continued public involvement to ensure the bill's success in the Illinois House. "The fight isn't over," Rose emphasized. "The House still needs to act, and Governor Pritzker must make the right choice this time. The people of central Illinois have made their voices heard, and it's time to finish the job."