SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura spearheaded legislation that would create a grant for local governments to help mitigate the impact of climate change to tackle growing emission rates from automobiles and trucks.

“Escalating emissions from transportation and fossil fuel sources demand urgent attention. The state should aid local governments in any capacity they can to tackle the deterioration of the planet,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “By creating this grant opportunity and encouraging local governments to plant native trees and grasses, which are proven to help mitigate climate change through carbon capture, we can aid the process of healing our planet for future generations significantly.”

Scientific research underscores the efficacy of native grasses and trees in carbon capture. In response to these pressing needs, this bill endeavors to establish a grant program tailored for local governments.

The Healthy Forests, Wetlands, and Prairies Act would require the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to establish a grant program for local governments to restore degraded forests and prairies, encourage planting trees and grasses along roadways to help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and address flooding and prevent snow and dirt drifts.

Under the grant program proposed, local governments would be able to use the funds towards local projects restoring or expanding forests, wetlands, prairies, or other natural landscapes demonstrated to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as well as education and marketing regarding local projects or steps community members may take to promote the growth of native vegetation that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

"Encouraging our local governments to play an active role in mitigating climate change is essential right now," said State Representative Hoan Huynh (D-Chicago). "It will take all of us to beat climate change, and establishing the Forests, Wetlands, and Prairies Grant Program will allow us to better protect our environment. I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to continue to confront this challenge."

If passed, Ventura encourages all local government to apply and consider lining their roadways with trees and native grasses where applicable.

Senate Bill 2781 passed the House Energy & Environment Committee on Tuesday and now heads to the House floor for further consideration.