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.”