URBANA, Ill. – On January 23, the Champaign County Board took a critical step in protecting the Mahomet Aquifer from threats related to carbon sequestration by voting to approve a 12-month moratorium on carbon sequestration activities in the county. The decision provides time for the County to develop zoning regulations to safeguard this critical water source, which supplies clean drinking water to nearly one million residents across Central Illinois.
The moratorium follows two recent leaks at Archer Daniels Midland’s carbon capture and sequestration facility near Decatur, which raised serious concerns about the risks CCS poses to water quality. The leaks happened just miles from the Aquifer’s boundaries and demonstrate the technological, regulatory and operator failures that can cause leaks. During the moratorium, the County will evaluate zoning amendments to address potential threats, including contamination risks from CO2 injection.
“The County Board is taking a prudent and necessary step to ensure we’re prioritizing public health and safety,” said Pam Richart, Co-Director of Eco-Justice Collaborative. “This moratorium gives us the time we need to put in place regulations that protect our water for future generations.”
The decision was made in front of a packed room of more than 60 attendees, many of whom voiced strong support for the moratorium. Local residents expressed concerns about the potential leaching of heavy metals like uranium, nickel, and manganese into the aquifer if CO2 were injected underground.
“This decision is a testament to the power of community voices and the importance of protecting a resource that serves nearly one million people,” said Andrew Rehn, Director of Climate Policy at Prairie Rivers Network. “We applaud the County Board for taking this vital step.”
Statewide Action Gaining Momentum
The moratorium aligns with broader efforts by state legislators to protect the Mahomet Aquifer from carbon sequestration projects. State Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign) and State Representative Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) have introduced bills to ban carbon sequestration projects over, under, or through sole-source aquifers. These bills address gaps in the carbon sequestration bill signed into law in July 2024, which excluded safeguards for the Mahomet Aquifer.
“Protecting the Mahomet Aquifer is not just about safeguarding drinking water – it’s about ensuring the health, safety and future prosperity of our communities,” said Faraci. “This moratorium reflects a responsible, community-driven approach to addressing the risks of carbon sequestration. It’s a crucial step as we work toward long-term solutions to preserve this valuable resource.”
“I support the Champaign County Board’s decision to implement a temporary moratorium on carbon sequestration activity anywhere near our Mahomet Aquifer,” Ammons said. “This action is necessary to protect our sole source of clean drinking water, and it provides the State of Illinois with additional time to protect our community. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the General Assembly to enact a permanent, lasting ban on corporations endangering our water supply.”
Support from Local Leaders
Both Champaign and Urbana rely on the Mahomet Aquifer for their drinking water, and their mayors applauded the County’s action.
“I commend the Champaign County Board for establishing a temporary moratorium on carbon sequestration projects in the Mahomet Aquifer,” said Urbana Mayor Diane Marlin. “This is an important step toward protecting our sole source of drinking water. I also appreciate the leadership of Senators Faraci and Rose and Representatives Ammons and Schweizer for their efforts to ban carbon sequestration projects in the entire aquifer. It’s as clear as the water we drink: We must protect the quality and quantity of water in our Sole Source Aquifer.”
“Protecting the Mahomet Aquifer, our sole source of drinking water, is of the utmost importance and urgent action is necessary to do so,” said Champaign Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen. “I am pleased that the County is putting a moratorium on carbon sequestration in Champaign County, and I appreciate our local legislators acting quickly to file legislation to ban carbon sequestration that would impact the Mahomet Aquifer.”
About Protect the Mahomet Aquifer
The Protect the Mahomet Aquifer campaign is made up of community members, environmental organizations, and advocacy groups united to protect the Mahomet Aquifer. This vital water source serves nearly one million people across 14 counties in Central Illinois. In response to the growing threat of carbon capture and sequestration projects, the campaign is advocating for local and state-level bans to ensure the aquifer’s safety for future generations. Key coalition members include Eco-Justice Collaborative, Illinois People’s Action, Prairie Rivers Network, the Sierra Club’s Prairie Group, and concerned citizens.
