News

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.

The Sears and Steel Dam meeting will be happening this evening as scheduled.

We will be hosting at the IBEW Hall on 52nd in Moline from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The hearing will include a presentation of the preliminary findings of the study and allow the public to voice their questions, concerns and suggestions.

ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin announced that $56,432 in grant money has been awarded to an innovative small business in Galesburg.

“With the right resources, Western Illinois communities can produce competitive products that bring business to our region,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Innovation grants lift up small businesses and put tax dollars to good use.”

The Illinois Innovation Voucher Program connects small businesses with the state’s world-class universities and research institutions. Through competitive awards of up to $75,000, the program enables companies to pursue research and development projects in partnership with a qualified Illinois institute of higher education to support technology validation, accelerate product development and strengthen commercialization pathways.

In the 36^th Senate District that Halpin represents, Lux Blox LLC in Galesburg was selected to receive the $56,000 through Innovation Voucher Program grants. Lux Blox produces educational and interactive toys for children to get excited about STEM. Their products are manufactured in the United States and are used in classrooms and other learning spaces around the world.

To learn more about the Innovation Voucher Program .