East Central Reporter

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) in Decatur, Illinois, has halted carbon dioxide injections following the discovery of a second leak in one of its wells. This comes after Illinois Democrats passed Senate Bill 1289 earlier this year, enabling the state to establish permitting regulations for carbon capture, transport, and sequestration. Critics argue that such projects pose significant risks to both human safety and the environment.

According to reports from The Center Square, ADM was the first location in the United States to implement a CO2 sequestering well, initiating injections in 2011. Since then, ADM has injected approximately one million metric tons of CO2 into its well.

State Representative Chris Miller (R-Hindsboro) opposed the legislation related to carbon capture and sequestration. He criticized Senate Bill 1289 as an effort by "radical Democrats" aimed at satisfying climate-focused donors. Miller stated, “We don’t have a climate crisis in Illinois, but what we do have is a crisis of common sense.” He expressed concerns that this legislation could lead to unreliable and costly energy solutions for American industries and consumers.

The bill allows for the installation of underground carbon capture wells on sites where some landowners oppose such operations. Concerns among these landowners include potential contamination of clean water sources and environmental disasters due to high-pressure CO2 storage underground. Republicans argue that future projects under this legislation will impose significant financial burdens on taxpayers and businesses compared to neighboring states.

Miller further commented on the situation with specific reference to local resources: “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." He criticized the passing of the bill despite calls for improvements: "The confiscation of property is what Chinese Communist countries do."