 The Virginia League of Conservation Voters (VALCV) today released the 10th Anniversary Edition of the Legislative Conservation Scorecard announcing the conservation voting records of state legislators. This publication rates individual legislators on a series of important conservation votes cast during the 2009 General Assembly session. It also presents a total of each legislator's conservation votes from 2000 when VALCV was formed through the 2009 session with the percentage of "right" votes on conservation issues.
"The Virginia League of Conservation Voters sees our Legislative Conservation Scorecard as a vital accountability tool for environmentally concerned voters and we are proud at the progress we have made these last 10 years," said Lisa Guthrie, Executive Director of the Virginia League. "Citizens care more about how their legislators vote on important conservation bills than whether they have a partisan R or D behind their names."
Unfortunately, the increasingly partisan and polarized nature of the General Assembly was reflected in this year's scores, preventing needed progress on a range of conservation issues. The Virginia League commends the one senator and six delegates with 100% scores. Another 31 legislators achieved scores between 75 and 99%. However, 35 legislators earned a score of less than 25%. As always, cumulative scores reflect the most accurate account.
The scores measured committee and floor votes on a wide range of important conservation issues including this session's top priority - energy efficiency legislation (HB 2506; SB 1248), as well as bills limiting localities' ability to regulate septic systems (HB 1788; SB 1276), perpetuating our unsustainable road-driven transportation structure (HB 1579; HB 2066; HB 2079), and promoting bipartisan redistricting (HB 1685; SB 926). "Extra credit" was also issued to legislators who patroned conservation-friendly bills that VALCV supported.
VALCV works throughout the session to inform legislators and the public about legislation affecting the environment. Legislators are informed of VALCV's position on specific bills before they vote. Memos and personal meetings serve as notice that the bill may be included in the Scorecard. At the end of the session, VALCV selects bills for the Scorecard which illustrate a clear distinction between those legislators who support the conservation position and those who do not.
The Virginia League of Conservation Voters serves as the nonpartisan political action arm of the state's conservation community. Our mission is to preserve and enhance the quality of life of all Virginians by making conservation a top priority with Virginia's elected officials, political candidates, and voters.
Click here to read the entire 2009 scorecard. |
