Hoffman Highlights Passage of Carbon Capture and Sequestration Legislation, Setting Up Regulatory Framework

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Serving as a lead negotiator, state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, helped pave the way for an emerging industry by passing a framework Saturday to allow the underground storage of carbon dioxide in Illinois – a process known as carbon capture and sequestration.

“This will allow us to move forward with an emerging industry, enabling significant job creation while reducing our carbon output to the atmosphere,” Hoffman said. “Illinois was positioned well geologically to take advantage of this opportunity, now we have the responsible regulatory framework needed to make it a reality.”

Seen as an important tool to address climate change, carbon capture refers to the process in which carbon dioxide is captured from industrial sites, transported and stored deep underground instead of being released into the atmosphere.

Hoffman helped develop Senate Bill 1289 which will regulate the capture, transportation, utilization and underground storage of carbon dioxide. The measure also establishes a permit framework, and clarifies rock pore space ownership rights that would be used in carbon capture and sequestration. Surface property owners will retain ownership of the pore space beneath their land under the measure, and are entitled to just compensation for the use of their space for sequestration.  

Reflecting concerns regarding pipelines, Senate Bill 1289 includes a moratorium on carbon pipelines until the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has adopted finalized safety rules or until July 31, 2026.

“This is going to be a strong economic generator for the state,” Hoffman said. “I appreciate the diverse discussions we’ve had on the topic, and am looking forward to the positive impact it will have for years to come.”

Senate Bill 1289 passed with bipartisan support, and will head to the Senate for concurrence. 

For more information, please contact RepJayHoffman@gmail.com.