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CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Thursday night, the Champaign County Board approved a 12-month moratorium on carbon sequestration to protect the Mahomet Aquifer.
Supporters of the moratorium said this will give the county time to develop zoning regulations and to evaluate zoning amendments to protect the aquifer.
“The County Board is taking a prudent and necessary step to ensure we’re prioritizing public health and safety,” said Pam Richart, Co-Director of Eco-Justice Collaborative. “This moratorium gives us the time we need to put in place regulations that protect our water for future generations.”
The moratorium has gained both local and state-wide support.
“I commend the Champaign County Board for establishing a temporary moratorium on carbon sequestration projects in the Mahomet Aquifer,” said Urbana Mayor Diane Marlin. “This is an important step toward protecting our sole source of drinking water. I also appreciate the leadership of Senators Faraci and Rose and Representatives Ammons and Schweizer for their efforts to ban carbon sequestration projects in the entire aquifer. It’s as clear as the water we drink: We must protect the quality and quantity of water in our Sole Source Aquifer.”
Champaign Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen said that protecting the Mahomet Aquifer, which is the areas sole source of water, is an important action.
“I am pleased that the County is putting a moratorium on carbon sequestration in Champaign County, and I appreciate our local legislators acting quickly to file legislation to ban carbon sequestration that would impact the Mahomet Aquifer,” Feinen said.
State Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign) and State Representative Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) have introduced bills to ban carbon sequestration projects involving sole-source aquifers.
“Protecting the Mahomet Aquifer is not just about safeguarding drinking water – it’s about ensuring the health, safety and future prosperity of our communities,” Faraci said. “This moratorium reflects a responsible, community-driven approach to addressing the risks of carbon sequestration. It’s a crucial step as we work toward long-term solutions to preserve this valuable resource.”
Ammons said she supports the County Board’s decision to approve a temporary ban on carbon sequestration near the Mahomet Aquifer. And, in agreement with Faraci, that this decision is an important step to take.
“This action is necessary to protect our sole source of clean drinking water, and it provides the State of Illinois with additional time to protect our community,” Ammons said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues in the General Assembly to enact a permanent, lasting ban on corporations endangering our water supply.”
During the meeting, the council discussed skipping the year ban, and approving a permanent ban instead. While the council eventually decided against that at this time, many on the board seemed in favor of a permanent ban down the road.
The 12-month moratorium on carbon sequestration passed with all members voting to approve the ban except for member Carolyn Greer.