Great news! Last Thursday, the Illinois Senate passed a critical bill to protect the Mahomet Aquifer from carbon sequestration with an impressive 55-0 vote.
“A year ago, we were told discussions were closed and the Mahomet Aquifer– Illinois’ only sole source aquifer – was not going to be protected. But the voice of the public had not yet been heard,” said Andrew Rehn, Climate Policy Director at Prairie Rivers Network.
While this is an incredible win, there is still work that must be done to make sure the Mahomet Aquifer is protected. Please contact your representative today and urge them to cosponsor and vote YES on SB1723 as it makes its way to the Illinois House.
Right now, the Mahomet Aquifer is threatened by multiple proposals to inject and store massive volumes of CO2 through and under it — up to 50 times more than any project previously attempted. And we have already seen problems with carbon sequestration: ADM’s Decatur facility — Illinois only existing carbon sequestration project — has leaked twice.
While you may not depend on the Mahomet Aquifer for your drinking water, nearly one million people in Central Illinois do. It is designated a sole source drinking water aquifer, which means the communities that rely on it have no other viable option for their water supply. For the Mahomet Aquifer, the risk tolerance must be zero.
Together, we can protect safe, clean water in our communities. Ask your Representative to support SB1723 today.
