Ventura releases statement on carbon capture bill

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura released the following statement after voting on Senate Bill 1289, also known as the SAFE CCS Act, on Sunday:

“While I recognize the positive efforts this measure has presented to ban enhanced oil recovery and include a 2 year moratorium on CO2 pipelines for federal rules, I have concerns regarding safety, farmers’ protections, greenwashing and the lack of science that assures the storage of carbon.

“As an environment advocate, I encourage natural means to store carbon, which have been scientifically proven, such as planting native grasses and trees. As the language of the bill stands, I believe this measure will also delay transitioning away from fossil fuels, hence my present vote.

“I ultimately believe the state should ban CO2 pipelines with carbon capture and storage, but I understand there are some improvements this bill addresses.”

Ventura passes resolution to declare Race Amity Day in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – To promote race amity and showcase the importance of interracial friendships, State Senator Rachel Ventura passed a resolution to declare June 9, 2024 as Race Amity Day in Illinois.

“Race Amity day is dedicated toward encouraging people to come together and celebrate the diversity within our communities,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “It has been a longstanding principle of mine that our communities should reflect our values. We value each and every Illinoisan and the important friendships and partnerships that we have fostered in spaces across the state.”

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Ventura bipartisan measure to tackle vacant state owned properties passes both houses

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura advanced legislation that passed both chambers on Friday to address surplus state-owned properties by curating a report on its condition.

“We have an obligation to address the numerous state-owned properties that have either been vacant or unused, which in turn wastes taxpayer dollars through maintenance and security costs,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This legislation will give us insight into each property’s maintenance and demolition costs to consider what to do with them in the future.”

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Ventura initiative to expand clean energy infrastructure loans to counties passes both houses

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura advanced an initiative through the House and Senate that would allow local government to apply for loans through the Illinois Finance Authority Climate Bank in an effort to expand clean energy infrastructure across Illinois while saving tax payers money on interest rates.

“We need every level of government to do their part when it comes to mitigating the effects of climate change,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Through the IFA bank, these low-rate loans to local government will not only save taxpayers money in the long run, but also address and tackle the effects of climate change.”

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