East Central Reporter

State Representative Chris Miller (R-Hindsboro) voted against legislation that allows Illinois to create permitting regulations for carbon capture, transport, and sequestration. Rep. Miller criticized Senate Bill 1289 as a move by Democrats to satisfy their climate donors.

“We don’t have a climate crisis in Illinois, but what we do have is a crisis of common sense,” said Miller. “This legislation will not prevent a crisis but will create one by making energy completely unreliable and unaffordable for American industries and American consumers. If we eliminate all carbon from our atmosphere green plants won’t grow. This bill was crafted to please Biden and progressive environmental donors.”

SB 1289 introduces a system to install underground carbon capture wells on sites that may infringe on landowners who oppose the operation. Many landowners express concerns over high-pressure CO2 being stored underground, potential contamination of clean water, and the risk of environmental disasters. Republicans argue these projects will be costly for taxpayers and businesses compared to neighboring states.

Rep. Miller further stated, “The Mahomet Aquifer does not have adequate protections against carbon capture wells. If a disaster were to occur, over 800,000 residents in Central Illinois who rely on clean drinking water would be negatively impacted. Despite requests for improvements, the Democrats passed this legislation that increases environmental risks to humans and agriculture. The confiscation of property is what Chinese Communist countries do.”

SB 1289 has passed through the General Assembly and awaits the Governor’s signature to become law.

For more information, please contact Rep. Miller’s office at (217) 508-4108.

Representative Chris Miller serves the constituents of Illinois’ 101st House District which includes parts of Coles County as well as portions of Champaign, Douglas, and Vermilion Counties along the I-57 corridor.