The potential for carbon storage in Illinois is immense, with the most significant reservoir hidden under its farmlands. Still, state lawmakers are slowing down the growth of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.

CCS involves capturing carbon dioxide and storing it underground, is a key aspect of President Biden’s green initiative plans. But the rapid expansion in this field has drawn criticism from local farmers, landowners, and environmental lobbyists pushing for tougher safety measures.

Legislation and Hold on Advancements

In May’s end, Illinois lawmakers approved the Safety CCS Act in both chambers during their session over the Memorial Day weekend. Governor J.B. Pritzker is yet to sign it but intends to do so. The act brings about extensive regulations for the growing carbon capture industry in Illinois, including a delay of up to two years on carbon dioxide pipelines until federal authorities set new pipeline safety guidelines. This move is first of its kind in Midwest.

Pam Richart, cofounder of Coalition to Stop CO2 Pipelines commended this move as necessary protections for Illinois given the fast-forward projects currently underway.

Main Features of Safety CCS Act

The act defines detailed rules which fall into three groups,

• Capture Requirements, this mandates that more carbon pollution should be stored than produced in the process of capturing and storage. Entities like power plants with high emissions have to maintain these below agreed upon limits.
• Pipeline Construction Rules, Strict guidelines are put forward for building CO2 pipelines which call for respect to a ‘do no harm principle’ keeping facilities from increasing emissions just to take advantage of tax credits by government.
• Description about Underground Storage, the lack of federal regulations towards liability and ownership of spaces used for storage are discussed. These guidelines state that companies need to monitor these sites for minimum 30 years, share safety models with public and contribute to an Illinois emergency fund. Ownership of such sites lies with the surface owner who will be paid for usage by companies.

Impact on Illinois Economy

Supporters of CCS technology state that it can have significant positive impact on Illinois’s economy. As per Mark Denzler, president and CEO of Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, a report from University of Illinois’ Prairie Research Institute said that around 14,000 jobs could be generated by CCS, and it could have $3 billion impact on economy.

“We didn’t get all we wanted. The environmental advocates didn’t get all they wanted. But compromise was reached,” stated Denzler while acknowledging that these new regulations bring a certainty allowing private interests know what to expect and how to move ahead.

Pending Environmental Concerns and Future Actions

The legislation is seen as a great stride in establishing rules for the CCS industry but there are still issues left unaddressed. This includes worry about CO2 storage sites being dangerously close to main water source in central Illinois serving over half a million people the Mahomet Aquifer, as highlighted by Pam Richart.

Jennifer Cassel from Earthjustice believes there is still work needed in developing safeguards. While the new law has endorsement from the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition, they continue pushing for more protection for both environment and landowners.

Richart’s coalition has been asking for halt in CO2 pipeline since its inception last year. Current pause will stay till new safety rules are made by federal Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). The law also gives power to the state’s public utility commission to enhance PHMSA’s incoming rules with additional safety regulations.

Unaddressed Provisions

The legislation critics feel that few important provisions were missed including limiting the use of eminent domain for pipeline construction and banning CO2 injection through the Mahomet Aquifer. Lack of attention to eminent domain was also the reason why Illinois Farm Bureau opposed the SAFE Act although it has some provisions towards compensation for land damage.

“Landowners are deeply upset that act got approved without limit on eminent domain,” voiced Richart. “Protection for land formers did not meet expectations.”

The SAFE Act allows businesses intending to sequester carbon to go ahead if 75% affected landowners agree to plan and get compensated. But this also allows a situation where 25% landowners can’t stop a project even if they oppose it which is concerning for small plot owners compared to larger landowners.

Concluding Notes

The Safety CCS Act in Illinois is an important progress in controlling the carbon capture and storage industry, offering essential safeguards for environment and landowners. However, there’s agreement among supporters and opposers that more efforts are needed for full protection measures and resolving remaining problems. As carbon capture technology advances, continuous work in support actions and lawmaking will be key to ensure a balance between economic gains and caring for the environment and public health.