news and resources
Read more about the One Earth Sequestration proposed carbon capture and sequestration project in the news.
IN the news
2025
Illinois company patiently awaits CO₂ storage nod — Chronicle Media
Published: December 12, 2025
A feature story with quotes from Steve Kelly about permitting, community engagement, and long‑term sequestration planning.
Steve Kelly interview — Prairie Communications (WRAM Ag Hour)
Published: December 11, 2025
Link: https://977wmoi.com/2025/12/steve-kelly-one-earth-energy/
Kelly discusses CCS misconceptions, ethanol markets, and sustainable aviation fuel.
One Earth Energy prioritizing carbon sequestration amid strong ethanol demand — Brownfield / KORN Radio
Published: December 2, 2025
A short piece highlighting Kelly’s comments on sequestration as a strategic priority.
Building BN Podcast with Steve Kelly — Bloomington‑Normal EDC
Published: 2025
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owLJKekAXLU
A long‑form interview covering economic development, CCS, and One Earth’s role in regional innovation..
2024
What is carbon capture? A new state law puts much‑anticipated and controversial plans on hold — for now — WTTW News
Published: July 30, 2024
A general‑audience explainer on CCS and the effects of the statewide pause on project timelines.
After years of controversy, the state pauses CO₂ pipeline construction for now — NPR Illinois
Published: July 18, 2024
Statewide coverage of the moratorium and regulatory process.
Rulemaking agenda set for RFS, CO₂ pipelines — FarmWeekNow
Published: July 15, 2024
A policy update outlining upcoming federal rulemaking for the Renewable Fuel Standard and CO₂ pipeline regulations.
Inside a Gibson City ethanol plant’s process of turning corn into fuel — The Pantagraph
Published: July 2024
A feature story showing the ethanol production process and the role of carbon capture in lowering carbon intensity.
IFB monitoring CCS law implementation — FarmWeekNow
Published: July 25, 2024
Illinois Farm Bureau coverage tracking the rollout of new CCS regulations.
One Earth Energy president hopes to renew pipeline project after moratorium lifts — WGLT
Published: July 31, 2024
An interview with Steve Kelly discussing the moratorium, ICC process, and OES’s plan to re‑file.
WGLT Sound Ideas — Audio interview with Steve Kelly
Published: July 31, 2024
Link: https://omny.fm/shows/wglts-sound-ideas/one-earth-energy-president-hopes-to-renew-pipeline
A radio segment where Kelly explains the project pause and long‑term sequestration plans.
The state puts the brakes on the CO₂ pipeline project — FarmWeekNow
The state puts the brakes on the CO₂ pipeline project — FarmWeekNow
Published: June 18, 2024
A report on statewide legislation pausing CO₂ pipeline permitting.
Illinois corn farmers urge federal investment in renewable fuels — The Pantagraph
Published: June 20, 2024
Coverage of Illinois corn growers advocating for federal support of ethanol, SAF, and low‑carbon fuel incentives.
As Legislative Session Adjournment Looms, a Rush to Regulate Carbon Capture Industry — WTTW News
Published: May 21, 2024
A legislative wrap‑up describing efforts to advance CCS‑related bills before adjournment.
Bill to protect Mahomet Aquifer from carbon capture sequestration stalls in Senate committee — WCIA
Published: 2024
A legislative update covering proposed aquifer‑protection measures.
Carbon sequestration and the Mahomet Aquifer: Scientists break down what you need to know — IPM Newsroom (WILL)
Published: 2024
Link: https://will.illinois.edu/21stshow/story/carbon-sequestration-and-mahomet-aquifer
(Featuring ISGS geologist Randy Locke)
A public‑radio discussion with PRI and ISGS scientists explaining aquifer protection, monitoring, and Illinois geology.
Video: General Manager Steve Kelly talks about the One Earth Energy ethanol plant in Gibson City — The Pantagraph
Published: 2024
A video segment featuring Kelly discussing plant operations and carbon‑reduction initiatives.
One Earth Energy CEO all in on SAF — Brownfield Ag News
Published: August 26, 2024
Link: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/news/one-earth-energy-ceo-all-in-on-saf/
Kelly explains how sequestration reduces carbon intensity and positions ethanol for the sustainable aviation fuel market.
Expert Perspectives from PRI & ISGS
Illinois is home to some of the nation’s leading experts in geology, aquifer protection, and carbon storage. Scientists from the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) and the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) have spent decades studying the Mahomet Aquifer, the Illinois Basin, and the deep geologic formations used for carbon sequestration. Their work helps inform state policy, public understanding, and the scientific foundation for CCS projects across Illinois.
Below are selected interviews and resources featuring PRI and ISGS researchers discussing carbon sequestration, aquifer protection, and Illinois geology.
Carbon sequestration and the Mahomet Aquifer: Scientists break down what you need to know — IPM Newsroom (WILL)
Published: 2024
Link: https://will.illinois.edu/21stshow/story/carbon-sequestration-and-mahomet-aquifer
(Featuring ISGS geologist Randy Locke)
A public‑radio conversation with PRI and ISGS scientists explaining how the Mahomet Aquifer is protected, how deep geologic sequestration works, and what decades of monitoring and research show about Illinois geology.
Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage in Illinois — Prairie Research Institute
Published: 2022
Link: https://hdl.handle.net/2142/116416
A comprehensive PRI report summarizing Illinois’ geologic suitability for carbon storage, the state’s monitoring capabilities, and the scientific lessons learned from past CCS projects.
PRI Carbon Management Briefing — Prairie Research Institute
Published: 2021
Link: https://www.prairie.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/PRI-Carbon-Management-Briefing-2021-08-30.pdf
A statewide overview of carbon management opportunities in Illinois, including geological storage, monitoring technologies, and the role of CCS in reducing emissions.
An Introductory Guide to the Mahomet Aquifer and Natural Gas Storage in East‑Central Illinois — PRI / ISGS
Published: 2018
Link: https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/items/105100
A public‑friendly guide explaining the geology of the Mahomet Aquifer, how deep subsurface storage works, and how Illinois’ geologic history shapes modern energy infrastructure.
Understanding the Mahomet Aquifer — Illinois State Geological Survey
Published: 2012
Link: http://hdl.handle.net/2142/95787
A detailed ISGS publication explaining the structure, depth, and protection of the Mahomet Aquifer, including the geologic layers that separate it from deep storage formations.
The Mahomet Aquifer: Recent Advances in Our Knowledge — ISGS / ISWS
Published: 2004
A scientific summary of new findings about aquifer geology, groundwater flow, and the natural protections provided by Illinois’ deep geologic layers.
Video Interviews & Features
scientific & Technical Resources
These resources reflect the scientific, regulatory, and safety foundations that guide the One Earth Sequestration project. They show the standards we follow, the research that informs our decisions, and the tools we use to protect the community and the environment.
Federal & State Regulations
EPA Class VI Geologic Sequestration Rule The federal framework that governs how CO₂ injection wells must be designed, monitored, and operated to protect underground sources of drinking water.
Illinois Safe CCS Act Illinois’ state law that adds additional safety, monitoring, and public‑engagement requirements for carbon capture and storage projects.
NEPA Environmental Assessment Guidance Federal guidelines for evaluating environmental impacts and ensuring transparency in project development.
Geology & Aquifer Protection
ISGS Mahomet Aquifer Studies Scientific reports from the Illinois State Geological Survey that describe the geology, depth, and protection of the Mahomet Aquifer.
DOE CarbonSAFE Program Materials Research from the U.S. Department of Energy that supports safe, long‑term CO₂ storage in deep geologic formations.
Safety Modeling & Monitoring
Dispersion Modeling Methods (DNV, CFD) Tools used to model how CO₂ would behave in the unlikely event of a release, helping emergency responders plan and prepare.
Fiber‑Optic Seismic Monitoring (LBNL) Advanced monitoring technology used at our site to detect small movements deep underground and ensure the storage zone remains stable.
Emergency Preparedness
EPA & TEEX Emergency Response Templates Nationally recognized guidance used to build our Emergency Response Plan and train local fire departments and emergency managers.
PHMSA CO₂ Pipeline Safety Rulemaking Proposed federal rules that strengthen CO₂ pipeline safety, leak detection, and emergency‑response requirements.
References
The references below provide background information on carbon capture, compression, geologic sequestration, and the scientific studies that support OES’s planned project. They include federal and state resources, research from the Prairie Research Institute and Illinois State Geological Survey, and technical reports on the Mahomet Aquifer and regional geology.
Key References
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Basics of climate change. https://www.epa.gov/climatechange-science/basics-climate-change
Prairie Research Institute. (n.d.). Carbon management. https://www.prairie.illinois.edu/research/by-topic/carbon-management/#Carbon%20Storage
National Energy Technology Laboratory. (n.d.). Illinois Basin – Decatur Project (IBDP). https://netl.doe.gov/coal/carbon-storage/atlas/mgsc/phase-III/ibdp
Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) report. (n.d.). https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/items/125493
State of Illinois. (n.d.). Public Act 102‑0341. https://ilga.gov/Legislation/publicacts/view/102-0341
Prairie Research Institute. (2021). PRI Carbon Management Briefing 2021. https://www.prairie.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/PRI-Carbon-Management-Briefing-2021-08-30.pdf
National Energy Technology Laboratory. (n.d.). CarbonSAFE initiative. https://netl.doe.gov/carbon-management/carbon-storage/carbonsafe
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Status of the EPA UIC Class VI permit application. https://www.epa.gov/uic/current-class-vi-projects-under-review-epa
One Earth Sequestration. (n.d.). OES presentation of planned project. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/183NMoCFXqZZmboO1zpoCp-IgaEGbJHLW/edit?slide=id.p1#slide=id.p1
Greenberg, S., Whittaker, S., O’Brien, K. C., & Hemrich, V. E. (2022). Carbon capture, utilization, and storage in Illinois. Prairie Research Institute. https://hdl.handle.net/2142/116416
Illinois State Geological Survey. (1996). Major sand and gravel aquifers. https://clearinghouse.isgs.illinois.edu
Killey, M. M. (2007). Illinois’ ice age legacy. http://hdl.handle.net/2142/45085
Locke, R., Roadcap, G., Stumpf, A., Leetaru, H., Kelly, W., & Winkel, R. (2018). An introductory guide to the Mahomet Aquifer and natural gas storage in east‑central Illinois. https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/items/105100
Mehnert, E., Hackley, K., Larson, T., Panno, S., Pugin, A., Wehrmann, A., Holm, T., Roadcap, G., Wilson, S., & Warner, K. (2004). The Mahomet Aquifer: Recent advances in our knowledge. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237296320_The_Mahomet_Aquifer_Recent_Advances_in_our_Knowledge
Stumpf, A. J., & Dey, W. S. (Eds.). (2012). Understanding the Mahomet Aquifer. http://hdl.handle.net/2142/95787
Watson, A., Peterson, E., Malone, D., & Tranel, L. (2020). Geology and aquifer sensitivity of Quaternary glacial deposits overlying a portion of the Mahomet Buried Bedrock Valley Aquifer system. Hydrology, 7(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology7040069
Technical References
Burch, S. (2008). Development of an observation well network in the Mahomet Aquifer of east‑central Illinois. Illinois State Water Survey Data/Case Study 2008‑01. https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/items/8812
Gibb, J. P. (1970). Groundwater availability in Ford County. Illinois State Water Survey Bulletin 60‑8. https://www.isws.illinois.edu/pubdoc/B/ISWSB-60-08.pdf
Hackley, K. C. (2002). A chemical and isotopic investigation of the groundwater in the Mahomet Bedrock Valley Aquifer: Age, recharge and geochemical evolution of the groundwater (Doctoral dissertation). University of Illinois at Urbana‑Champaign. https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/items/87801
Kempton, J. P., Johnson, W. H., Heigold, P. C., & Cartwright, K. (1991). Mahomet Bedrock Valley in east‑central Illinois. In W. N. Melhorn & J. P. Kempton (Eds.), Geology and hydrogeology of the Teays‑Mahomet Bedrock Valley system (pp. 91–124). Geological Society of America Special Paper 258. https://doi.org/10.1130/SPE258-p91
Panno, S. V., Hackley, K. C., Cartwright, K., & Liu, C. L. (1994). Hydrochemistry of the Mahomet Bedrock Valley Aquifer, east‑central Illinois: Indicators of recharge and groundwater flow. Groundwater, 32(4), 591–604. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1745-6584.1994.tb00603.x
Rickels, E. S., Stumpf, A. J., Malone, D. H., & Shields, W. E. (2017). Surficial geology of the Saybrook 7.5‑min Quadrangle, McLean County, Illinois, USA. Journal of Maps, 13, 191–195. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17445647.2017.1291369
Roadcap, G. S., Knapp, H. V., Wehrmann, H. A., & Larson, D. R. (2011). Meeting east‑central Illinois water needs to 2050: Potential impacts on the Mahomet Aquifer and surface reservoirs. Illinois State Water Survey Contract Report 2011‑08. http://hdl.handle.net/2142/39869
Roadcap, G. S., & Wilson, S. D. (2001). The impact of emergency pumpage at the Decatur wellfields on the Mahomet Aquifer: Model review and recommendations. Illinois State Water Survey Contract Report 2001‑11. http://www.sws.uiuc.edu/pubs/pubdetail.asp?CallNumber=ISWS+CR+2001-11
Soller, D. R., Price, S. D., Kempton, J. P., & Berg, R. C. (1999). Three‑dimensional geologic maps of Quaternary sediments in east‑central Illinois (Map I‑2669). U.S. Geological Survey. http://pubs.usgs.gov/i-maps/i-2669
Wirth, H., Peterson, E. W., & Malone, D. H. (2018). Surficial geology of the Gibson City West Quadrangle, Champaign, Ford, and McLean Counties, Illinois. Illinois State Geological Survey. https://chf.isgs.illinois.edu/maps/quad/gibson-city-west-sg-edmap.pdf
Wirth, H. (2019). Surficial geology of the Gibson City West Quadrangle (Master’s thesis). Illinois State University. https://cpb-us-w2.wpmucdn.com/about.illinoisstate.edu/dist/0/134/files/2020/08/Wirth_Thesis_2019_.pdf