A proposed Illinois bill would ban carbon dioxide pipeline developers from using eminent domain to acquire private property, marking the latest effort by landowners and advocacy groups to limit the expansion of carbon capture infrastructure across the state.
Introduced by Michael Halpin, Senate Bill 2842 (SB2842) would prevent companies developing CO2 pipeline projects from obtaining land access through eminent domain proceedings if voluntary agreements with landowners cannot be reached.
The legislation follows several years of opposition to proposed carbon dioxide pipeline projects in Illinois, including the cancelled Heartland Greenway project and the proposed Wolf Carbon Solutions pipeline. Landowner groups have argued that private property rights and public safety concerns should outweigh the interests of pipeline developers seeking to transport captured carbon dioxide for underground storage.
Broad Coalition Backs Property Rights Measure
SB2842 has attracted bipartisan support in the Illinois legislature, including co-sponsorship from Steve McClure, who said landowner rights and public safety should take precedence over private commercial interests.
According to supporters, the bill currently has 23 co-sponsors and backing from a diverse coalition of organizations, including the Illinois Farm Bureau, Sierra Club, Illinois Environmental Council, and the Illinois Soybean Association.
Advocates say the legislation builds on previous efforts to strengthen oversight of carbon capture and storage projects in Illinois and reflects growing concerns among rural landowners about the use of eminent domain for privately operated CO2 transportation infrastructure.
Supporters are seeking to advance the measure before the current legislative session concludes, although lawmakers have indicated the bill could also be considered later in the year if it is not included in a broader legislative package before the session adjourns.
Read more: Louisiana Rejects Eminent Domain Limits For Carbon Capture Projects
