Ammons Advances Bill Protecting Local Drinking Water from Underground Contamination

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Working toward protecting clean water access as Chair of the Energy & Environment Committee, state Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, has successfully passed a measure protecting critical sources of drinking water like the Mahomet Aquifer from pollution by banning carbon sequestration — a process involving injecting captured carbon underground — in areas that overlie or are near sole-source aquifers.

“I fought for a sole source designation for the Mahomet Aquifer in 2015, and I’m standing up again to protect over 15 counties that count on this aquifer’s safe drinking water,” said Ammons. “By banning carbon sequestration in areas with only one aquifer, we ensure these communities have clean water for generations to come.”

Sole-source aquifers are classified by the EPA as an underground water supply that provides at least 50% of its drinking water for its area and has no safe, alternative water source.

House Bill 3614 would amend the Environmental Protection Act by restricting carbon sequestration activity within a facility that is near sole-source aquifers, eliminating the risks of water pollution.

“We cannot afford to gamble with corporate interests when clean water for over a million Illinoisans is on the line,” said Ammons. “Carbon sequestration is damaging to communities with limited water sources, and it’s big business who’s taking home the extra cash. If we don’t put protections in place for carbon sequestration, counties will have no economic alternative for safe drinking water.”

House Bill 3614 passed out of the Energy & Environment Committee, and will be favorably reported to the House Floor for consideration.