The longstanding efforts to enact a legal framework for the development of carbon capture and sequestration infrastructure in Illinois have been finalized. In what can be described as a balancing act, the final version of the bill signed on Thursday by Governor JB Pritzker allows for the construction of pipelines for the transportation of CO2 but places a moratorium until July 1, 2026.
Though determined by the development of federal safety rules for the transportation of CO2, the two-year period provides more time for industry, encrionmental and farmer groups, as well as the public to bring their positions closer, while providing a platform for the resource and capital intensive projects to begin work.
“Illinois will once again be creating jobs while leading the charge in the fight against climate change. It has become all the more evident in the past few years that while the transition to green energy is inevitable, we need to use every tool at our disposal to slow down emissions and address climate change,” said Pritzker.
Figures shared by the governor’s office say that the expected investments carbon capture projects can potentially bring are in the region of $9 billion, as well as up to 3,700 new jobs.
The bill also provides safeguards against potential risks by establishing an environmnetal justice fund, as well as a monitoring requirement for a minimum of 30 years after they begin operations.
Senator Laura Fine, D-Glenview, the legislation’s Senate sponsor said:”This legislation puts in place some of the strongest environmental protections in the country. Without these safeguards in place, projects could move forward without essential protections.”
Many of the existing applications for carbon transportation in the state have been rejected. The Illinois Commerce Commission denied a permit for a One Earth Sequestration pipeline, which would have passed through McLean and Ford counties.
In November 2023 a Wolf CO2 pipeline proposal, which planned to transport carbon dioxide from Iowa to central Illinois for storage was halted with the company saying it plans to resubmit its application in 2024.
Read more: Wolf CO2 Pipeline Halts Illinois Plans, Intends To Revise And Resubmit
