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HB 3614

EPA-CARBON CAPTURE-AQUIFER

104th Regular Session Introduced by Carol Ammons and 46 co-sponsors

Illinois HB 3614 establishes state environmental regulations and permitting requirements for carbon capture projects using underground aquifers for CO2 storage.

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Bill Summary · HB 3614

Legislative bill overview

HB 3614 addresses the regulation of carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects in Illinois, specifically concerning the use of underground aquifers for CO2 sequestration. The bill appears to establish state oversight and environmental safeguards for CCS operations that may utilize deep geological formations, including aquifers. This legislation likely creates permitting requirements, monitoring standards, and liability frameworks for companies engaged in carbon capture technology.

Why is this important

Carbon capture is increasingly promoted as a climate mitigation strategy, but injecting CO2 into underground aquifers raises concerns about groundwater contamination, induced seismic activity, and long-term environmental liability. Illinois has significant coal-related industrial infrastructure and geological formations suitable for CCS, making state-level regulation critical to balance climate goals with public health and resource protection. Clear regulatory frameworks can either accelerate clean technology deployment or create barriers depending on how stringent requirements are structured.

Potential points of contention

  • Aquifer protection vs. climate strategy: Disagreement over whether stringent restrictions on aquifer injection adequately protect drinking water supplies or unnecessarily impede carbon capture development
  • EPA preemption and authority: Questions about whether Illinois can impose stricter standards than federal EPA regulations or if CCS falls under exclusive federal jurisdiction
  • Liability and long-term responsibility: Debate over who bears financial responsibility for potential CO2 leakage, migration, or contamination decades or centuries into the future
  • Economic competitiveness: Industry concerns that robust state requirements could make Illinois less attractive for CCS investment compared to other states with lighter regulation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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