Hoffman-led Carbon Capture and Sequestration Legislation Signed into Law

DECATUR, Ill. – A new law pushed by state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, will position Illinois to take advantage of an emerging industry by creating a regulatory framework enabling underground storage of carbon dioxide in Illinois – a process known as carbon capture and sequestration.

“By acting now, we’re going to create jobs, reduce our carbon output into the atmosphere and further position Illinois to be at the forefront of emerging industries,” Hoffman said. “This state is uniquely positioned geologically, and I’m excited to see that we have come together to institute a responsible regulatory framework that will move us forward.”

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.

Serving as a lead negotiator, Hoffman helped develop Senate Bill 1289 – the law signed Thursday that will regulate the capture, transportation, utilization and underground storage of carbon dioxide. The measure creates 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 law and are entitled to just compensation for the use of their space for sequestration.

Reflecting concerns regarding pipelines, the measure 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.

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