UPDATE: Urgent concerns are escalating over a proposed carbon capture project by One Earth Energy near the critical Mahomet Aquifer in central Illinois, which supplies water to over 800,000 residents. Local farmers, including Sally Lasser, are voicing fears about potential contamination and safety risks associated with the project, which aims to inject carbon dioxide underground for sequestration.
The project, announced over three years ago, is now facing intense scrutiny as it plans to store CO2 just outside the aquifer’s borders. “Harming our water supply harms people,” Lasser emphasized, highlighting the community’s anxiety over trusting ethanol companies to safeguard their water. This area is vital for agriculture, and any contamination could have catastrophic consequences.
Developing: Governor JB Pritzker recently signed the SAFE Act, imposing a two-year moratorium on carbon capture projects and enhancing safety regulations for when the ban lifts in July 2026. Illinois becomes the second state, after California, to enact such a measure, while states like Wyoming and North Dakota are expediting their carbon sequestration processes.
In a significant move, Illinois has also banned storing CO2 directly beneath the Mahomet Aquifer. However, the current project by One Earth is situated approximately 5 miles from the aquifer’s edge, allowing it to proceed. Experts suggest the geological formation can safely contain CO2; however, past incidents, like a leak from an Archer Daniels Midland site, have fueled skepticism and distrust among residents.
“We need more transparency and safety measures,” urged Brent Lage, a local farmer concerned about potential leaks. Recent history shows that carbon sequestration projects have not always been transparent, with significant leaks reported but often inadequately addressed.
As One Earth Energy seeks to cut its carbon emissions by 75% and qualify its ethanol for sustainable aviation fuel, the company is banking on a federal tax incentive of $85 per gallon of CO2 stored underground. This financial push comes as the ethanol industry grapples with increasing electric vehicle adoption and regulatory pressures to reduce emissions.
Local sentiments are mixed. While some farmers rely on One Earth for their livelihood, others fear the long-term implications of the carbon capture project. “The risks might outweigh the benefits,” said Lage, reflecting the divided opinions within the farming community.
Authorities, including the U.S. EPA, have been urged to reassess the permitting process for carbon capture projects in light of recent leaks and community fears. In a letter sent to the EPA, U.S. Reps. Sean Casten and Jared Huffman stressed the need for a thorough evaluation of potential risks before proceeding with approvals.
As of now, One Earth is preparing for potential project advancements, expecting a decision on its federal permit by April 2026. Residents remain vigilant and hopeful for increased safety measures and clearer communication regarding the project’s implications for their water supply.
The urgency of this situation has put the community on high alert, raising significant questions about the balance between industrial progress and environmental safety. “We need to protect the community,” said Lea Cline, chair of the McLean County Land Use and Transportation Committee, as local leaders call for comprehensive safety regulations in the face of rising concerns.
In a rapidly changing landscape, the future of carbon capture in Illinois—and its impact on communities—hangs in the balance. Residents are calling for action, demanding both transparency and accountability from those who aim to reshape their environment.