Illinois Senate debates drilling carbon pipeline above aquifer supplying drinking water
(UI) – Senate Bill 1289, if enacted by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, may allow a carbon pipeline to be drilled above the Mahomet Aquifer, raising concerns about potential drinking water contamination from pipeline ruptures.
State Rep. Ann Williams, who sponsors the bill, asserts that even in worst-case scenarios, the aquifer would not be catastrophically impacted, and normal remediation efforts would be adequate.
The bill includes a two-year moratorium on carbon dioxide pipeline construction or until federal safety standards are revised. State Rep. Dan Caulkins criticized the lack of specific protections for the aquifer and the continued authorization of eminent domain in the bill.
The Illinois Farm Bureau opposes the use of eminent domain for these pipelines and argues that the bill does not ensure fair negotiations with landowners.
During legislative debates, State Sen. Chapin Rose expressed strong opposition, citing past environmental harm from a natural gas leak in his area and the lack of state funding for cleanup. Despite the heated debate, the bill passed both the House and Senate and now awaits the governor's decision.
This story was originally reported by JustTheNews.com.
Related News
From Archive
- TxDOT advances massive drainage tunnel beneath I-35 in Austin
- Glenfarne Alaska LNG targets late-2026 construction start for 807-mile pipeline project
- U.S. water reuse boom to fuel $47 billion in infrastructure spending through 2035
- $2.3 billion approved to construct 236-mile Texas-to-Gulf gas pipeline
- Major water pipe break in Puerto Rico hits over 165,000 customers
- Pennsylvania American Water launches interactive map to identify, replace lead water service lines
- Trump's tariffs drive $33 million cost increase for Cincinnati sewer project
- Utah city launches historic $70 million tunnel project using box jacking under active rail line
- Tulsa residents warned after sewer lines damaged by boring work
- Fatal trench collapse halts sewer construction in Massachusetts; two workers hospitalized
Comments