SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura is championing a measure that mandates all vehicles owned by state or local government entities to either be a manufactured zero-emission vehicle or converted into a zero-emission vehicle.

“By complying with Climate Justice Alliance to have a million electric cars by 2030, my legislation will both be environmentally friendly and cost friendly in the long run,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Illinois set forth bold carbon-reduction goals in the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. This is one way of ensuring that we meet those goals.”

Senate Bill 1769 would require all vehicles purchased or leased by a government unit after January 2025 to either be a manufactured zero-emission vehicle or a converted zero-emission vehicle.

“Illinois is poised to become a national hub for electric vehicle and battery production. State and local governments have an obligation to support this emerging industry by transitioning vehicles to electric or zero-carbon,” said Ventura. “We want government to do their part and meet these goals.”

Senate Bill 1769 passed Environment and Conversation committee Thursday and now moves to the Senate floor.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura spearheaded new legislation that would lift the limits on hydropower plants.

Currently Illinois is ranked 46th in the nation when it comes to hydropower. With Senate Bill 1474 passing the Energy and Public Utility Committee Thursday, Ventura hopes to advance Illinois’ renewable energy sector.

“By having hydropower in our communities, we can increase jobs, lower the price of energy and protect our planet,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Supporting hydropower today will allow Illinoisans to reap economic and environmental rewards for decades to come.”

Under Ventura’s measure, the Illinois Power Agency would be required to procure a percentage of its renewable energy credits from hydropower dams. This would help increase the use of this renewable energy source, while also promoting environmental conservation by using dams that already exist.

This initiative is aimed to support hydropower dams across the state including the Kankakee Hydropower Dam, the Wilmington Dam, and the Brandon Road Lock and Dam.

“This legislation addresses the energy problem across the state,” said Ventura. “Illinois struggled to generate base load capacity so the cost of electricity doubled for hardworking families. Expanding renewable energy, especially base load capacity, through clean and affordable hydropower is crucial for Illinois to meet the demands of the future.”

Senate Bill 1474 passed the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee on Thursday and awaits further consideration before the full Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura is championing new legislation to establish the Science in Elementary Schools Task Force in Illinois.

“Science is just as essential as language arts and math, that’s why teaching accurate information daily that’s both useful and human centered can create a baseline for higher education in the sciences,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “By establishing the standards in this task force, my goal is to ensure future generations know about the human body and how it relates to the environment and vice versa.”

The task force will identify age-appropriate education to add to current curriculum for anatomy, physiology and nutrition.

The proposed additional curriculum aims to empower students with the knowledge to understand their own bodies and care for their health.

“With other states taking away knowledge from their educational systems, we hope to empower students with as much information as possible,” said Ventura.

Senate Bill 2354 passed the Senate Education Committee Tuesday and now heads to the Senate floor.

JOLIET – With support from State Senator Rachel Ventura, Woodridge Park District, the Village of Shorewood and Channahon Park District are set to receive $1.5 million for land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects.

“As a former naturalist and former vice president of the Will County forest preserve, I can’t understate the importance of our outdoor spaces enough” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “When we put our planet first, we grow a community that will stay resilient for years to come.”

Nearly $60 million in grants were awarded to 118 local parks across Illinois through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants, administered through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This announcement includes the largest round of grants in the 36-year history of the program.

The Village of Shorewood will receive $600,000, Woodridge Park District will receive $600,000 and Channahon Park District will receive $300,000 to acquire and develop land for public parks and open space. OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that has become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois.

Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for more information on the OSLAD grants.