CO2 Leak Highlights the Need for New Protections

SPRINGFIELD – The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is investigating a reported leak at a CO2 sequestration well site operated by Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) in Decatur.

ADM’s CO2 program was the first in the country to utilize a Class VI well, which is designed to allow carbon dioxide to be pumped into underground rock formations. The idea is to store or sequester the CO2 there to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The leak has alarmed many in local communities because of the nearby Mahomet Aquifer. While the ADM leak is not expected to affect that aquifer, there is currently no permanent restriction on drilling similar CO2 wells over similar aquifers.

The Mahomet Aquifer, which supplies an estimated 100,000,000 gallons of fresh water per day to a large region of Illinois, has been designated by the United States EPA as a “sole source aquifer.” According to the agency, the designation means that “contamination of the aquifer would create a significant hazard to public health, and there are no physically available or economically feasible alternative sources of drinking water to serve the population that relies on the aquifer.”

State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) says these issues are why she voted to create new rules for CO2 wells and pipelines during the spring legislative session. She believes the General Assembly needs to take further action by passing Senate Bill 3963, which would ban CO2 wells over any EPA-designated sole source aquifer.

Cyberattacks Against Governmental Entities on the Rise

Government agencies across the country, including in Illinois, are facing the difficult challenge of dealing with an alarming rise in cyberattacks. Recent data from the Center for Internet Security reveals a drastic increase in malware and ransomware attacks, with a 148 percent surge in malware incidents and a 51 percent rise in ransomware attacks during the first eight months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.

Several government offices in Illinois have been targeted by these cyber threats. Earlier this year, the Illinois Secretary of State’s office experienced a data security breach, and both Henry and Tazewell counties dealt with ransomware attacks that disrupted their daily operations. The growing trend of cyberattacks against governmental entities is of great concern for state and local governments as they strive to protect sensitive information and maintain critical services.

To that end, government agencies throughout the state and nation are strengthening their defenses by upgrading equipment, enhancing security awareness training, and collaborating at both state and federal levels to block known cyber threats.

While these efforts are crucial, cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated. They target not only data systems but also technologies like drones used by law enforcement.

Sen. Tracy says all government entities must take the threat of cyberattacks seriously and continue implementing proactive measures to prevent future incidents as protecting digital infrastructures from bad actors must remain a top priority.

Bright Start Program Changes Coming Soon

Families enrolled in the Bright Start College Savings Program (Bright Start 529) will see several changes starting September 30, as TIAA, a major provider of 529 college savings plans, takes over as the program manager.

Bright Start is a 529 college savings plan typically sponsored by a state and can be used to save for higher education. Illinois’ Bright Start Program is already recognized as one of the lowest-cost 529 savings plans in the U.S. With the upcoming changes, families will see total average weighted fees reduced by another 13 percent.

Additionally, a new Bright Start 529 mobile app will be introduced. The app will allow account owners to manage their accounts, check balances, and open new accounts for beneficiaries via their smartphones. It will also streamline processes such as sending funds directly to colleges.

Illinois parents or legal guardians can also claim the Illinois First Steps $50 seed deposit online when opening a Bright Start 529 account for a child born or adopted on or after January 1, 2023, eliminating the need for paper forms.

To accommodate the transition, no withdrawals, contributions, or account changes will be processed between 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 25, and Sunday, September 29. Full account access and transaction capabilities will resume at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, September 30.

‘See Tracks, Think Trains’

September 23 through 29 marks “See Tracks? Think Trains” Week, a week dedicated to raising awareness about rail safety education and the dangers of railroad crossings.

Every year, more than 2,300 people are injured or killed in railroad crossing and trespassing incidents across North America, according to Operation Lifesaver. In the United States, a person or vehicle is struck by a train every three hours, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and caution around railways.

Throughout the week, public safety organizations, law enforcement, and government agencies work together to promote the importance of rail safety. The campaign encourages drivers and pedestrians to always stop, look, and listen before crossing tracks, obey railroad signs, lights, and signals, and avoid walking on or near tracks, crossing only at designated areas. With Illinois being a hub for rail activity, these safety reminders are critical in preventing accidents and saving lives.

For those looking to support rail safety and education, Operation Lifesaver encourages the public to wear red and share photos on social media as part of the campaign on Friday, September 27. For more information, click here.

Illinois State Fair Sets Attendance Records

The Illinois Department of Agriculture has announced record-breaking attendance figures for the 2024 Illinois State Fair. More than 773,000 people attended the 11-day event, marking the highest attendance on record.

The Illinois State Fair also saw major successes in other areas, including a record-breaking Grandstand performance. Grandstand artists such as the Jonas Brothers, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, and Lil Wayne, who set a new Grandstand attendance record with over 15,000 tickets sold, contributed to the Fair’s popularity. This year’s carnival revenue also saw a significant increase over 2023.

The 2024 Fair generated an estimated economic impact of more than $86 million and $2.6 million in sales tax revenue. State agencies were also provided an avenue to offer community services, including public access to issuing driver’s licenses, REAL IDs, and permits from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Planning is now underway for the 2025 Illinois State Fair, which is scheduled to run August 7-17.