The nation’s first commercial carbon sequestration plant is in Illinois. It leaks

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🗞️ Driving the news: Concerns are mounting in Decatur, Illinois, following two leaks from ADM's carbon sequestration wells beneath Lake Decatur
• ADM, the first company in the U.S. with a commercial carbon storage permit, delayed reporting the leaks, leading to community outcry over safety and transparency
• The leaks raise doubts about the CCS industry, especially as Illinois prepares for more projects

🔭 The context: Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology aims to combat climate change by storing CO2 underground
• ADM’s Decatur facility utilizes the Mt. Simon Sandstone, known for its large storage capacity, but the method involves risks like water contamination from pressurized CO2
• Despite federal incentives boosting the industry, some regions in Illinois are enacting moratoriums due to safety concerns

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: While CCS is viewed as a key climate solution, leaks can undermine efforts to protect drinking water and may shift public and regulatory support
• The incidents at Decatur highlight the potential trade-offs of CCS, questioning its role in achieving emissions targets without jeopardizing water resources

⏭️ What's next: Local counties in Illinois are pursuing bans or restrictions on CCS, particularly near the Mahomet Aquifer, a crucial drinking water source
• Legislators are also considering stricter regulations to close loopholes in existing laws
The incidents may influence the national CCS regulatory landscape as more projects come online

💬 One quote: "Just because CO2 sequestration can be done doesn’t mean it should be done" - Verlyn Rosenberger, a concerned local resident

📈 One stat: The Mt. Simon Sandstone in Illinois has an estimated CO2 storage capacity of up to 150 billion tons

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