SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura passed a measure through the Senate that mandates all vehicles owned by the state, a state agency, a unit of local government or any other political subdivision either be a manufactured zero-emission vehicle or converted into a zero-emission vehicle.

“By complying with The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) to have one million electric cars by 2030, we can begin to position Illinois to save money in the long run and protect the environment,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Our state set forth bold carbon-reduction goals in the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, and by passing this measure we can work towards achieving those goals.”

Ventura’s measure aims to lower the state’s overall emissions by addressing the pollutants released into the air by vehicle emissions, which have a direct impact on the environment. Illinois is poised to become a national hub for electric vehicle and battery production. Electric school buses have already started rolling off the line at Lion Electric's Joliet factory. State and local governments would be supporting this emerging industry by transitioning vehicles to electric or zero-emissions under Senate Bill 1769.

Highway vehicles release about 1.4 billion tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere each year — mostly in the form of carbon dioxide — which contribute to the global climate crisis. Roughly five to nine tons of greenhouse gases are burned each year for a typical vehicle according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

“We cannot afford to waste time on pressing issues like emissions,” said Ventura. “We want government to do their part and meet these goals, and this would begin to fulfill them.”

Senate Bill 1769 passed through the Senate on Thursday and heads to the House for consideration.