2009 General Assembly Conservation Scorecard is Out; Scores a Mixed Review

by: Eileen

Wed Jul 29, 2009 at 13:46:29 PM EST

"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.

ACES Vote a Litmus Test

by: ClimateJess

Tue Jun 23, 2009 at 16:18:39 PM EST

In a press release advertising the decision to the public, LCV states:

The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) believes that H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act, is the most important piece of environmental legislation to ever come before the House of Representatives.  The historic bill has the potential to transform America by creating clean energy jobs, improving our national security, and protecting our planet from global warming pollution.

In 2006 and 2008, LCV endorsed 155 federal candidates, of whom 124 won election or reelection (number includes Al Franken)...spending millions of dollars along the way.

"The stakes could not be higher; a safer, healthier planet and a new energy economy hang in the balance, and it's imperative that members of Congress be on the right side of history,"

So Congressmembers, again, are you with us or are you in the way?

I urge everyone to contact their Congressmember and let them know this is a litmus issue for you too.  Call the Congressional Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and let your representative know you support ACES (HR 2454). A vote is expected to occur Friday, so you must act soon.

See the above picture?(hint, hint to my fellow Hampton Roads neighbors...) CALL YOUR REP before its too late!