FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 20, 2025
Contact:
Andrew Rehn, Director of Climate Policy, Prairie Rivers Network, arehn@prairierivers.org, 708-305-6181
Pam Richart, Co-Director, Eco-Justice Collaborative, prichart@ecojusticecollaborative.org, 773-556-3418
Bill to Protect Mahomet Aquifer from Carbon Pollution Passes Senate Committee
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The bill to protect the Mahomet Aquifer from carbon sequestration (SB1723 Faraci) passed a Senate Committee today with unanimous, bipartisan support. It now advances to the Senate floor.
“Protecting the Mahomet Aquifer is not just about preserving water; it’s about safeguarding the future of our community,” said Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign). “While innovation in carbon sequestration holds promise, we must prioritize the health and safety of our residents, ensuring progress never comes at the expense of our most vital resource.”
“I’m grateful for the countless central Illinoisians who have called, written, and emailed in support of this important bill for clean drinking water,” said Senator Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet). “We would not have been able to get over this first hurdle without your voices, but the fight isn’t over. We still need to get it through the Senate, House, and signed by the Governor so keep the pressure on because we are not done yet.”
“What Senator Rose said!” said Andrew Rehn, Climate Policy Director at Prairie Rivers Network. “I’m thankful to Senator Faraci and Senator Rose for their unwavering commitment to the Mahomet Aquifer, and the whole committee for their unanimous vote to move this forward.”
“Every member of the committee acknowledged the importance of the Mahomet Aquifer” said Pam Richart, Co-Director of the Eco-Justice Collaborative, “This is critical step, but there’s a lot more work ahead. Let’s keep going!”
Having passed out of both a House and Senate Committee, the bill is now ready to be heard on the floor of the House and the Senate.
The bill (SB1723) would ban carbon sequestration through and under the Mahomet Aquifer.
