SPRINGFIELD – Continuing her work as an environmental advocate, State Senator Rachel Ventura introduced a few new measures to support green infrastructure loans for municipalities and counties, as well as limit the state’s role in deforestation.

"Meeting our state's clean energy goals and tackling the climate crisis requires real investment in our communities. That’s why expanding low-cost financial options for local governments is critical to accelerating the transition to clean energy,” said Ventura (D-Joliet).

Under one measure proposed by Ventura, the Illinois Finance Authority would be allowed to reallocate funds from inactive programs to assist in the development and implementation of clean energy initiatives. With this change, $36 million would become available to support the Illinois Climate Bank— which provides financing to help communities transition to clean energy — ultimately improving climate resiliency and promoting equitable growth across Illinois.

Additionally, another proposed measure will expand the scope of clean energy projects under the Climate Bank Loan Financing Act, to include storm resilience, nature based solutions, water and climate risk mitigation.

“IEC supports this legislation to expand the authority of the Illinois Finance Authority and applauds Senator Ventura and Representative Syed for bringing it forward,” said Jen Walling, executive director for the Illinois Environmental Council. “Illinois has historically led the way on climate progress nationwide, and it’s more critical than ever that we continue to invest in innovative tools to address climate change, like the expanded funding mechanisms for nature-based climate solutions in this common-sense legislation.”

Another initiative led by Ventura aims to address deforestation by aligning state procurement policy with state climate and conservation goals. The proposed bill would ensure that state-funded purchases of key commodities—such as rubber, paper, and specific wood products—come exclusively from sustainable sources, curbing the state’s contribution to global deforestation.

“The Deforestation-Free Illinois Coalition commends Senator Ventura for her leadership on the Deforestation-Free Illinois Act. This timely act will preserve global forests, the Earth's greatest asset in combating global warming and protecting biodiversity,” said Whitney Richardson, coordinator for the Deforestation-Free Illinois Coalition. “Every degree of warming prevented will save countless lives and billions of dollars.”

Ventura looks forward to taking action on these measures in the coming weeks.