spot_imgspot_img

Opponents rally to stop carbon capture projects near water supplies in Illinois

spot_img

(The Center Square) – There is growing opposition to carbon capture projects that some say threaten drinking water supplies in Illinois.

A new Illinois law requires corporations to provide an alternative drinking source if it becomes contaminated from the injection and storage of CO2. But Pan Rickert, with Eco-Justice Collaborative, said there is one issue that wasn’t addressed in the legislation which is sole source aquifers like the Mahomet that supplies water to nearly a million people in over a dozen counties.

“Developers have to replace water that is contaminated, and if it would be under the Mahomet Aquifer, there is no readily available supply of water to become an alternative water source,” said Rickert. “It doesn’t exist without a huge economic impact.”

Rickert adds that the aquifer serves over 100 communities, businesses, and farmers throughout central Illinois and is vital to the economy.

Rickert’s group released poll results that showed 82% of Illinois registered voters say they oppose private corporations’ use of eminent domain for their private carbon dioxide pipeline and sequestration projects, and 89% think carbon capture and storage poses a serious risk of carbon dioxide leaks, potentially at lethal levels.

“A private corporation should not be allowed to take our property by eminent domain for a project that could damage our land, and be routed close enough to our homes and schools to put our lives in danger,” said Kathy Campbell, vice president of Citizens Against Heartland Greenwashing projects.

According to the Illinois Prairie Rivers Network, three carbon capture projects are proposing to inject carbon through the aquifer and store it underneath.

Opponents are pointing to a Sept. 13 incident in Decatur. E&E News reported that corrosion in one of Archer Daniels-Midland Co.’s carbon sequestration wells allowed carbon dioxide to leak.

“This incident demonstrates how important strict CCS regulations are to protect our communities and environment, and is exactly why we passed the CCS protections act in Illinois this year,” said the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition in a statement.

State Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, said he has filed legislation that needs to be passed immediately he said would protect the aquifer from CO2 injection.

“This is exactly what I was sounding the alarm about back in May when Democrats were ramming through their supposedly ‘green’ Carbon Sequestration bill,” said Rose. “This is exactly why that bill should not have passed, why Governor Pritzker should never have signed that bill.”

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Wisconsin employment reaches another high but future growth projections flat

(The Center Square) – Wisconsin’s number of individuals employed...

Billionaire Democratic supporter calls Inslee’s wealth tax ‘boneheaded’

(The Center Square) – Gov. Jay Inslee’s proposal for...

Shreveport council postpones reallocated funds, property

(The Center Square) – Two resolutions failing to meet...

Gas prices up in Colorado, though lower than national average

(The Center Square) – This Christmas season, Coloradans will...

Americans continue to flee California, losses replaced by international migration

(The Center Square) - Americans continued their mass departure...

Johnson considers two last-ditch stopgap bills; both axe debt ceiling suspension

After angry rejection from both parties, House Speaker Mike...

More like this
Related

Georgia Appeals Court Disqualifies Fani Willis From Trump Election Interference Case

According to The New York Times, Georgia’s Court of...

Wisconsin employment reaches another high but future growth projections flat

(The Center Square) – Wisconsin’s number of individuals employed...

Billionaire Democratic supporter calls Inslee’s wealth tax ‘boneheaded’

(The Center Square) – Gov. Jay Inslee’s proposal for...

Shreveport council postpones reallocated funds, property

(The Center Square) – Two resolutions failing to meet...