SPRINGFIELD – Building on her previous work establishing robust standards for Illinois carbon capture projects, State Senator Laura Fine passed a law to further enhance protections for property owners.

“Over the past few years, I have worked to ensure landowners are compensated fairly when their land is used to carbon capture and sequestration projects,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “We must have the strongest protections available as this industry continues to grow.”

Expanding on Senator Fine’s 2024 law that set environmental safety requirements at each stage of the carbon capture process, this new law strengthens protections for property owners. The law allows for the recovery of attorney’s fees if a sequestration site landowner prevails in a lawsuit for damages to surface property. Additionally, the law sets forth compensation provisions for owners of land above the underground pore space that is used to store carbon.

“Illinois has a real opportunity to unite farmers, industry, environmental advocates and communities through the shared need for a clean energy market,” said Fine. “Landowner rights are essential to proceed with carbon capture and sequestration projects in a responsible manner.”

Senate Bill 1697 was signed into law Friday and is effective July 1, 2026.