Legislation sponsored by State Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign) and State Senator Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) to permanently ban CO2 storage under the Mahomet Aquifer passed the Illinois Senate this week, marking a critical step forward in the effort to safeguard central Illinois’ most vital drinking water source. Senate Bill 1723 now moves to the Illinois House.

“This is a huge win for the people of central Illinois who stood up and demanded action to protect their clean water,” said Senator Rose. “We pushed hard to get this bill through the Senate, and now it’s time for the House to do the same. I truly appreciate the support and help from Senator Faraci to get this passed.”

The Mahomet Aquifer, a federally designated Sole Source Aquifer, provides drinking water to more than 1 million residents across central Illinois. Rose took immediate action after Governor JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1289 last year, which allowed carbon sequestration under the aquifer. The Governor’s decision triggered strong bipartisan opposition from vocal central Illinois residents concerned about the safety of the region’s water supply.

“From the moment Governor Pritzker signed off on this reckless policy, I’ve been fighting to reverse it,” Rose said. “Senator Faraci and I got to work, and now, the Senate has passed this bill.”

Senate Bill 1723 now moves to the Illinois House. Senator Rose urged continued public engagement to ensure the bill’s passage.

“The fight isn’t over,” Rose said. “The House still needs to act, and Governor Pritzker must make the right choice this time. The people of central Illinois have made their voices heard, and it’s time to finish the job.”