SPRINGFIELD – With farmers in Illinois facing threats to their land from big carbon pipeline companies, State Senator Mike Halpin’s has introduced a bill to prohibit owners of carbon dioxide sequestration pipelines from exercising eminent domain authority.

“Our farmers already face threats from sky-high fuel and fertilizer costs, we don’t need big pipeline companies coming in and threatening their land too,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “These private companies must negotiate fairly with farmers and property owners, not use the government to sidestep folks who have worked their land for generations. Family farmers don’t need more headaches to worry about.”

Senate Bill 2842 would prohibit an owner or operator of a carbon sequestration pipeline from seeking or exercising eminent domain authority. The legislation does not seek to stop carbon sequestration pipelines, but rather would ensure landowners receive fair offers and choice when it comes to the future of their land.

According to the Coalition to Stop CO2 Pipelines, carbon dioxide pipelines can restrict a farmer’s use of their property, destroy field tiles and damage farmland to the extent that it reduces crop yield. These pipelines present a threat when routed too close to homes, businesses and schools, placing families in danger. A leak or rupture of a CO2 pipeline can release a toxic asphyxiant that can harm—or even kill—people and animals over a mile away.

“This legislation protects landowners from the predatory use of eminent domain to take property to acquire easements for CO2 pipelines," said Steve Hess, a farmer from McDonough County. "I applaud my senator Mike Halpin for championing the protection of private property rights for Illinois citizens against private companies."

Senate Bill 2842 awaits further consideration.