News Release

Carbon storage in question: Illinois regulation could threaten key CCUS projects

Aquifer ban and CO₂ sequestration restrictions could set precedent, putting 20% of U.S. carbon capture capacity at risk

byEnverus

CALGARY, Alberta (Oct. 1, 2025) Enverus Intelligence® Research (EIR), a subsidiary of Enverus, the most trusted energy-dedicated SaaS company that leverages generative AI across its solutions, is releasing a new report that examines the ripple effects of Illinois’ ban on carbon storage beneath the Mahomet Aquifer, raising urgent questions about the future of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) in regions with EPA-designated sole source aquifers.

“A ban on sequestration beneath the Mahomet Aquifer in Illinois immediately impacts three CCUS projects, totaling 5.6 mtpa of storage capacity,” said Brad Johnston, analyst at EIR. “This raises concern for carbon storage projects in other regions with EPA sole source aquifer regulations, particularly Louisiana.”

“If a similar ban is implemented in Louisiana, 58 mtpa of storage capacity across 17 projects and 11 operators could be at risk,” Johnston said. “This is more than a third of the storage capacity in the Gulf Coast region, and about a fifth of total U.S. capacity.”

Key Takeaways:

  • Illinois’ CO₂ sequestration restrictions eliminate 5.6 mtpa of carbon storage capacity from Heartland Greenway and Vault 44.01 projects beneath the Mahomet Aquifer.
  • Some 58 mtpa across 17 projects and 11 operators could be at risk beneath the sole source Chicot and Southern Hills aquifers in Louisiana if a similar sequestration ban is imposed.

EIR’s analysis pulls from a variety of products including Enverus FOUNDATIONS® – Carbon Innovation and Enverus Infrastructure.

You must be an Enverus Intelligence® Research subscriber to access this report.

About Enverus Intelligence® Research
Enverus Intelligence ® | Research, Inc. (EIR) is a subsidiary of Enverus that publishes energy-sector research focused on the oil, natural gas, power and renewable industries. EIR publishes reports including asset and company valuations, resource assessments, technical evaluations and macro-economic forecasts; and helps make intelligent connections for energy industry participants, service companies and capital providers worldwide. Enverus is the most trusted, energy-dedicated SaaS company, with a platform built to create value from generative AI, offering real-time access to analytics, insights and benchmark cost and revenue data sourced from our partnerships to 95% of U.S. energy producers, and more than 40,000 suppliers. Learn more at Enverus.com.

Picture of Enverus

Enverus

Energy’s most trusted SaaS platform — creating intelligent connections that uncover insights and opportunities to deliver extraordinary outcomes.

Related News

Enverus to acquire SBS to power AI-driven utility planning and engineering
News Release
ByJon Haubert

Enverus has entered into an agreement to acquire Spatial Business Systems (SBS), an AI-enabled design automation platform for utilities and engineering teams. The acquisition strengthens Enverus’ ability to connect utility planning, engineering execution, and capital program intelligence.

Global energy markets brace for supply shock and further price gains
News Release
ByJon Haubert

Enverus Intelligence Research analyzes how U.S. strikes on Iran raise risks to oil and LNG supply, threatening Strait of Hormuz transit and driving energy market volatility.

RatedPower publishes 2026 Global Renewable Energy Trends Report as AI, storage, and grid
News Release
ByJon Haubert

RatedPower’s 2026 Global Renewable Energy Trends Report examines how AI, energy storage, and grid congestion are reshaping global renewables markets.

Fast‑track interconnection could lift U.S. power market reserve margins to 24% by 2030
News Release
ByJon Haubert

New Enverus Intelligence Research finds fast‑track interconnection could lift U.S. power market reserve margins to as much as 24% by 2030.

Enverus releases 2026 Interconnection Queue Outlook
News Release
ByJon Haubert

Enverus releases its 2026 Interconnection Queue Outlook, revealing how ISO market dynamics, utility strategies and grid constraints are shaping project viability and grid access across U.S. power markets.

Enverus launches marketplace for buying and selling minerals, backed by industry-leading data and analytics
News Release
ByJon Haubert

Enverus launches the Enverus Minerals Marketplace, a secure, fee‑free platform for buying and selling mineral and non‑operated interests using industry‑leading energy data and analytics.

Global exploration signals early recovery as supermajors scramble for acreage
News Release
ByJon Haubert

Enverus Intelligence® Research finds global exploration is showing early signs of recovery as success rates hold near 40%, despite activity remaining near historic lows — raising longer‑term oil and gas supply risks after 2030.

Iran risks and supply outages buoy prices, but surplus remains
News Release
ByJon Haubert

Recommended Meta Description: Enverus Intelligence® Research raises its 1Q26 Brent crude forecast to $60 per barrel as Iran geopolitical risk tightens near‑term oil markets, even as global crude inventories continue to build into early 2026.

Renewable economics tighten as U.S. power demand climbs 34% by 2050, EIR finds
News Release
ByJon Haubert

Enverus Intelligence® Research finds U.S. power demand will rise 34% by 2050 as renewable economics tighten amid policy headwinds, interconnection delays and reliability challenges highlighted by Winter Storm Fern.

Find Out How Enverus Can Help Your Business

Subscribe to the Energy Blog

A weekly update on the latest “no-fluff” insight and analysis of the energy industry.

Let’s get started!

We’ll follow up right away to show you a quick product tour.

Let’s get started!

We’ll follow up right away to show you a quick product tour.

Get Started

Sign up for our Blog

Ready to Subscribe?

Ready to Get Started?

Ready to Subscribe?

Sign Up

Power Your Insights