DANVILLE, IL… State Representative Brandun Schweizer (R-Danville) is calling on the Senate to continue working on Senate Bill 3968, a bill that bans carbon sequestration activity in and around the Mahomet Aquifer. Schweizer says the time to act is now, as the House and Senate are both back in Session this week for the final week of Veto Session.
“This legislation was filed after Gov. Pritzker signed SB 1289 into law this summer, despite bipartisan, bicameral opposition that noted the risks associated with the now law, including the lack of protections for the Mahomet Aquifer,” Schweizer said. “I am disappointed by the Senate’s actions to pause work on SB 3968. The purpose of this bill and others that I and other colleagues have filed, is to avoid any possible contamination of the Mahomet Aquifer. Unlike other parts of the state, 14 counties solely rely on this aquifer for all water needs, including drinking water and agricultural uses. If the Mahomet Aquifer becomes contaminated due to a carbon dioxide leak, there is not another easily accessible water option for one million central Illinoisans.”
Senate Democrat Leaders say the reason for the delay in legislative action to protect the aquifer is because of the two-year moratorium written in to the current law. With the two-year break, opponents to SB 3968 have argued that there will be plenty of time to put together stronger legislation than what is currently being presented.
“After meeting with advocates and constituents explaining their fears, I don’t know how much clearer it can be that additional protections are needed. This is not a game, this is real life and not something that should be stuck in a drawer somewhere. Folks all over the state deserve clean water, not just in the Great Lakes Region. With lawmakers in town for Veto Session, this is the perfect time to protect the Mahomet Aquifer. Senate Leadership needs to get moving on this right away. In the event of an accident, my constituents would have to deal with the consequences of their government not taking the appropriate steps to protect drinking water. I refuse to give up on the one million people who rely on the Mahomet Aquifer. Let’s get this done.”
For more information, please contact Rep. Schweizer’s office at (217) 477-0104 or visit RepSchweizer.com.
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