The Sangamon County Board is expected to consider adopting a moratorium on carbon dioxide pipelines through the county… amid an ongoing controversy over plans to construct an underground line south of Springfield.
As WMAY News was the first to report, the county is petitioning the Illinois Commerce Commission to intervene in Navigator Heartland Greenway’s request for a state permit to build the 231-mile pipeline across 13 counties, including Morgan, Sangamon, and Christian. County officials believe they have legal standing to intervene, but acknowledge that the ICC or the courts could rule otherwise. In the meantime, the county says a moratorium is prudent to allow time to research health and safety concerns related to CO2 pipelines.
It hasn’t been determined yet how long such a moratorium could remain in place if the county board approves it next month.
