Originally published on Grist on Oct. 21, 2024, read more about the first commerical carbon sequestion leak in Illinois here.

Investing in communities and infrastructure is paramount for driving economic development, enhancing quality of life, and ensuring long-term sustainability. The future will focus on technology and it is so important that we view broadband as a utility of necessity. That is why I support public broadband to compete in the free market, keep costs low, and ensure access for everyone. Recognizing this significance of all infrastructure, I championed the passage of these bills to tackle critical needs.

Senate Bill 851 places a strong emphasis on upgrading broadband connectivity in essential public institutions such as schools, libraries, and correctional facilities. This initiative guarantees fair access to vital services and resources for all residents, particularly those in underserved areas. With improved broadband access, students can access online learning resources, businesses can engage in e-commerce, and communities can stay connected, fostering economic growth and innovation. Senate Bill 1437 looks to expand the middle mile of broadband fibers in the state to provide reliable broadband service to all areas and begin creating the public network needed for the future.

Concurrently, Senate Bill 1438, known as the Illinois Dig Once Act, aims to streamline infrastructure deployment by minimizing redundant excavations along transportation corridors. By coordinating the installation of electric lines, water pipes, broadband networks and other public utilities, this legislation optimizes the use of resources and reduces disruption to communities. Efficient infrastructure deployment not only saves time and money but also enhances the resilience of critical systems, ensuring reliable access to essential services.

These legislative initiatives reflect our proactive stance in modernizing Illinois's infrastructure. By bolstering broadband connectivity and streamlining infrastructure deployment, we are laying the foundation for economic resilience and fostering inclusive growth statewide. With increased storms, the more lines that can be laid underground, the less impact everyone will experience. Additionally, I'm actively advocating for increased infrastructure investment in the 43rd District.

Senate Bill 2784, the Cargo Transportation Fee Act, is another initiative aimed at addressing infrastructure needs in our district. This bill proposes levying a fee on cargo vehicles leaving inland ports to support the maintenance of roads impacted by heightened truck traffic. This investment is particularly crucial for areas like the CenterPointe Intermodal Port in Joliet, where infrastructure upgrades are essential to support economic development and ensure the safe and efficient movement of goods.

Through these efforts, we are working to build stronger, more resilient communities and ensure that every resident has access to the resources and opportunities needed to thrive.

Thank you for visiting my website. As the state senator for the 43rd District, I have continuously worked on legislation that directly affects our communities. Many environmental issues concern our area including coal ash, carbon capture, and more which led me to compile my key thoughts on a few of these topics, read on to learn more.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) involves capturing carbon dioxide emissions from industrial facilities and fossil fuel-powered plants, directing them to storage locations to prevent their release into the atmosphere and mitigate global warming. Despite being touted as a solution to the climate crisis, CCS carries serious risks. It has been shown to be ineffective in significantly reducing carbon emissions and currently lacks sufficient federal performance standards to guarantee its effectiveness. Plus, CCS extends the operational life of heavily polluting facilities and disproportionately impacts environmental justice communities already facing elevated risks. If a pipe was to crack or leak, a deadly reaction could occur.

This video shows a CO2 pipeline rupture. As the gas forcefully escapes, it is able to extend beyond the visible white plume. When CO2 is released into the atmosphere, the consequences are dire. As it displaces oxygen, it leads to potentially deadly symptoms such as coughing, dizziness, cognitive impairment, and can even disable combustion engines, posing challenges for evacuees and first responders alike.

Additionally, CCS is frequently employed in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques, where captured carbon dioxide is injected into oil reservoirs to enhance oil extraction. The coupling of CCS with EOR perpetuates reliance on fossil fuels, contradicting the goal of transitioning to renewable energy sources. Also, the extraction of additional fossil fuels through EOR can exacerbate greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation, offsetting the benefits of carbon capture.

During the CCS process, carbon dioxide is compressed into a liquid state and transported via pipelines. It's worth noting that CO2 pipelines are more prone to rupture than oil pipelines, which increases the risk of accidental releases of CO2 into the atmosphere. Such leaks can contaminate groundwater, hinder crop growth, and pose health hazards to communities.

Furthermore, the long-term storage of captured carbon dioxide underground or in geological formations may pose potential risks, including the potential for leakage over time. Studies have shown that carbon dioxide can react with minerals in the subsurface, potentially leading to changes in water chemistry and the release of other harmful substances. Plus, the large-scale deployment of CCS infrastructure may require significant land use and could impact ecosystems and biodiversity.

Considering these potential environmental and health impacts, it's crucial to thoroughly assess the risks and benefits of CCS implementation and to prioritize the development of alternative, sustainable solutions to address climate change.

CCS and EOR will delay the transition away from fossil fuels and add to the climate crisis issue instead of helping to address it in a meaningful and safe manner.

Thank you for visiting my website. As the state senator for the 43rd District, I have continuously worked on legislation that directly affects our communities. Many environmental issues concern our area including coal ash, carbon capture, and more which led me to compile my key thoughts on a few of these topics, read on to learn more.

Coal ash ponds, also known as coal combustion residuals (CCR) ponds, are storage facilities used to contain the waste generated by burning coal for electricity production. However, these ponds present significant environmental and health concerns due to their content of hazardous pollutants like arsenic, lead, and mercury. Many facilities stored coal ash in surface (ponds), which have the potential to leak or to fail, sending coal ash and its contaminants into water sources, including surface water and groundwater.

Illinois' 43rd District is home to three coal ash pond sites: Joliet 29, Lincoln Stone Quarry, and one in Romeoville.

Coal ash ponds, used for storing waste from coal combustion in electricity production, pose significant environmental and health risks due to their content of hazardous pollutants like arsenic, lead, and mercury. These pollutants are linked to various health issues, and the potential for leaks or failures in these ponds threatens water sources and communities.

Recent discussions surrounding the Will County Generating Station's coal ash ponds have proposed solutions ranging from a less costly cap-in-place method to a more expensive but thorough excavation and removal approach. The full remediation will remove coal ash from contact with groundwater, therefore protecting drinking water moving it away from water bodies. This poses a permanent solution to water pollution and health issues due to contamination. Cap-in-place also leaves coal ash surface impoundments permanently vulnerable to catastrophic failure due to floods or cap failure during extreme storms.

Through our efforts, we aim to raise awareness about the hazards associated with coal ash ponds and encourage informed discussions on their impact. It is crucial that concerned citizens and policymakers collaborate to find effective solutions, ensuring the proper closure and remediation of existing coal ash ponds and the adoption of cleaner energy alternatives.

By understanding the risks posed by coal ash ponds, we can work together towards a future where our communities and environment are safeguarded from the detrimental effects of coal ash waste