Tazewell County files petition to intervene in pipeline construction
September 1, 2023

The Tazewell County State’s Attorney’s Office has filed a petition to intervene in Wolf Carbon Solutions’ pipeline construction application.

The petition comes two days after the anti-pipeline group Citizens Against Predatory Pipelines made a presentation before the Tazewell County Board. Concerned citizens also spoke against the pipeline, raising concerns about safety and eminent domain.

The pipeline would enter Tazewell County on the southern edge of Pekin and cut a southeastern path through the county en route to Logan County, and ultimately, a permanent underground sequestration site in Decatur. The high-pressure pipeline transports liquefied carbon dioxide captured from ethanol plants. Carbon capture and sequestration is touted as a measure to cut carbon emissions.

A petition to intervene doesn’t mean the county is taking a stance on the pipeline project. Rather, the petition keeps the county apprised of proceedings before the Illinois Commerce Commission regarding the process and allows the county to actively participate.

The city of Peoria has also filed as an intervenor. Peoria County hasn’t filed a petition to intervene.

The Illinois Commerce Commission is due to make a decision on the pipeline construction application by May 16, 2024.

We depend on your support to keep telling stories like this one. You – together with donors across the NPR Network – create a more informed public. Fact by fact, story by story. Please take a moment to donate now and fund the local news our community needs. Your support truly makes a difference.