The Mahomet Aquifer is one of 68 Primary Aquifers in the United States that provides 45 percent of the Nation’s drinking water.
Earlier this year, I joined a bipartisan bicameral group of lawmakers from the east-central Illinois districts in objecting to SB1289, legislation that allow for carbon sequestration activity that could adversely affect the Mahomet Aquifer asking for an amendment that would protect the vital water source. The bill’s sponsor would not accommodate the request for an amendment.
Following the passage of SB 1289, I and the other lawmakers signed a letter to Governor Pritzker emphasizing the risks carbon sequestration poses to drinking water and urged a ban on injecting CO2 waste through and under the Mahomet Aquifer. The governor had not responded to the letter and signed the bill into law, effective January 1, 2025. Although to-date the Governor has not responded to the letter, I remain committed to working across the aisle and fighting for stronger water protections.
I filed legislation last month that bans any carbon sequestration activity in and around federally designated sole source aquifers, including the Mahomet Aquifer. The bill also mandates the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deny permits to applicants who knowingly intend to conduct carbon sequestration activities around these aquifers.
Close to one million Illinois residents heavily depend on the Mahomet Aquifer. It is our duty to eliminate any risks to this vital source of safe drinking water.
I am encouraging residents who rely on the Mahomet Aquifer for drinking water to sign my petition to Protect Safe Drinking Water.