A CO2 pipeline that ruptured in Satartia, Mississippi in 2020, forcing hundreds to evacuate. Picture: Yazoo County Emergency Management Agency

By Joyce Blumenshine

The Illinois moratorium on carbon dioxide pipelines ends July 1st. That could mean many new applications for CO2 pipeline approvals. The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is our state permitting agency for pipelines and they have the power to approve eminent domain.

Currently there is no requirement for any percent of willing land owners for CO2 pipeline approval and eminent domain. That needs to change. State Senate Bill 2842 is to end allowing eminent domain for CO2 pipelines. It will require companies to negotiate with landowners. This legislation does not stop CO2 pipelines from being built as long as companies have willing property owners agree to use of their land. This legislation will provide protection for homeowners or property owners along a CO2 pipeline route so they will not be compelled to have a hazardous, high-pressure CO2 pipeline which could mean death in minutes if there is a leak or rupture.

SB 2842 is very brief and specific to CO2 pipelines. CO2 pipelines are very different from power lines and electric grid updates, and from pipelines that provide fuel for heat or transportation. PLEASE take a moment to send this quick e-message to your legislators. You can read more about the bill from this fact sheet.