Chambana Sun

State Representative Brandun Schweizer announced that Senate Bill 1723, aiming to protect the Mahomet Aquifer, passed the House Energy and Environment Committee with a 20-5-0 vote. Schweizer, a chief co-sponsor of the legislation, announced the passing, with Rep. Carol Ammons serving as the bill’s House Chief Sponsor.

The Mahomet Aquifer, designated by the EPA as a Sole-Source Aquifer, is the primary drinking water source for 15 Illinois counties. It serves over a million people, including those in Schweizer's 104th House District.

The proposed bill seeks to ban carbon sequestration in facilities that interact with sole-source aquifers like the Mahomet Aquifer. It also plans to establish the Mahomet Aquifer Study Commission to evaluate the safety of carbon capture and storage in the aquifer region. The commission will include 12 members from the four caucuses, with one legislator from each.

The commission is tasked with submitting a report to the General Assembly and the Governor by December 31, 2031. The Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois will submit its findings on carbon sequestration in the Mahomet Aquifer area by December 31, 2030, along with annual reports until then. The commission will dissolve on January 1, 2032, after completing its final tasks.

Rep. Schweizer expressed satisfaction, saying, "I am thrilled to see this important legislation pass the Senate and now the House Energy and Environment Committee. Ensuring access to clean drinking water for over a million Illinoisans should be a top priority." He acknowledged Rep. Ammons and Senators Faraci and Rose for their roles in advancing the measure.

The bill awaits further consideration in the House. To track the bill, visit ilga.gov, or contact Rep. Schweizer at (217) 477-0104 or RepSchweizer.com.