Latest news with #MahometAquifer
E&E News
22-05-2025
- Politics
- E&E News
Illinois lawmakers ban CO2 injection under aquifer
A bill to protect a key source of drinking water in Illinois from carbon dioxide injection will go to Gov. JB Pritzker after it overwhelmingly passed by the House on Tuesday. S.B. 1723 provides what many lawmakers viewed as key protections for the Mahomet Aquifer in central Illinois, which supplies drinking water to nearly a million people in 14 counties. It comes a year after Pritzker, a Democrat, signed into law a moratorium on CO2 pipelines in Illinois. Pritzker is expected to sign the bill but a spokesman couldn't be reached for comment Wednesday. Advertisement The measure prohibits carbon sequestration above, below or through a sole-source aquifer, defined by EPA as one that supplies at least half the drinking water for an area and where no alternative source exists. But the bill would allow an ongoing CO2 injection project in an aquifer recharge area to continue after labor and business interests insisted it be carved out of the prohibition.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Illinois State Police, rifle association disagree amidst FOID system upgrades
ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Two Illinois organizations are at odds over a temporary shutdown of the FOID card system. The Illinois State Police said the system they use for FOID is 11 years old and in need of an upgrade. But the Illinois State Rifle Association is arguing that the shutdown has suspended '2nd Amendment rights in Illinois for 26 hours.' Illinois House passes carbon sequestration protections for Mahomet Aquifer Access to purchasing ammunition in Illinois is unavailable from 2 p.m. on May 20 through 4 p.m. on May 21. State Police also said the upgrade will lead to a better — and safer — system overall. 'While enhancements have been made over the years, the system will be down temporarily for an overall upgrade that will help us ensure law enforcement, firearms retailers, and residents are able to access FOID information expeditiously,' Illinois State Police said. The ISRA said firearms dealers might not be able to sell guns during this time. And they added that when they brought their concerns to State Police about the shutdown, they decided to continue anyways. Urbana Police data shows overall crime is down, but homicides up in 2025 'Make no mistake, what's being labeled as 'system maintenance' is a suspension of Illinois citizen's 2nd Amendment rights,' the ISRA wrote in a statement on Facebook. The Illinois State Police has refuted the idea that firearms dealers will not be able to sell guns during the system maintenance. They said when an agreement for a purchase is made between a firearm dealer and a purchaser, there is a 72-hour timeframe before the purchaser can acquire the firearm. During the system upgrade, Illinois State Police assured the public that firearms dealers can still sell during this period, and that the sales will be processed during the 72-hour timeframe. Cop on a Rooftop raises $1.2M for Special Olympics Illinois Illinois State Police also said they began notifying users on May 7 that their system would be down between May 20-21, allowing people to purchase ammunition ahead of time. 'We appreciate the public's patience while we make this necessary improvement to ensure our system is operating efficiently to provide the best customer service,' Illinois State Police said. The system is expected to be back up and running by 4 p.m. on Wednesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Illinois Ag Trade Day declared to celebrate farmers, raise awareness
ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Governor JB Pritzker has declared March 19 Illinois Agriculture Trade Day. It's in recognition of the positive contribution that agriculture trade makes to the state's economy, farmers and communities. Pritzker said in part that it is 'imperative' to make consumers, businesses and policymakers aware of the challenges and opportunities facing the agriculture trade today. Bill protecting Mahomet Aquifer from carbon sequestration passes House committee Agricultural producers in Illinois play a vital role in food security both at home and abroad. It's Illinois' top industry and main driver of the economy. The state ranks number one in production of soybeans, pumpkins and horseradish, number two in corn, number four in hogs and number 10 in wheat. In the Midwest, Illinois holds the title of top exporting state. Total exports in 2023 were estimated at $13.7 billion. These agricultural exports support rural communities in the state, generate jobs, drive innovation and connect local farmers to global markets. 'Illinois' thriving agriculture sector provides jobs across our state, not just for farmers and ranchers, but for processors, scientists, shippers, trucking, and retailers,' Pritzker said. To celebrate Illinois Agriculture Trade Day, Illinoisians are encouraged to visit the Department of Agriculture's website, to learn more about food and agriculture in the state. To learn more about the role that agriculture plays in the economy in both the state and the nation, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
