CTLCV Applauds Congressional Delegation for Pro-Environment Votes

Connecticut Receives Top Marks from League of Conservation Voters

The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) in partnership with the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) today released the 2018 National Environmental Scorecard. LCV’s Scorecard is the primary yardstick for evaluating the environmental records of every member of Congress. In 2018, Connecticut’s delegation scored 100% in the Senate and 93% in the House, establishing us as a leader in the fight against climate change.  

“Our air, water, natural resources, and wildlife have been under attack by President Trump and his anti-science agenda,” said Lori Brown, Executive Director of CTLCV. “Thankfully, Connecticut’s Congressional leaders have consistently stood up to Trump and voted to protect our environment and our communities. Our Delegation knows we can’t afford to kick the can down the road on climate change. We need to act now. Unfortunately, Trump and his cronies continue to block real action. This is why we at CTLCV are working so hard to make sure Connecticut cuts our emissions, invests in clean energy, and protects our natural resources—before it’s too late.”

The 2018 National Environmental Scorecard measures votes cast during the second session of the 115th Congress. Connecticut’s delegation scored as follows:
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• Senator Blumenthal – 100%
• Senator Murphy – 100%
• Representative Larson – 94%
• Representative Courtney – 91%
• Representative DeLauro – 91%
• Representative Himes – 91%
• Representative Esty – 94%

 
While Connecticut received some of the highest marks in the nation, there are major problems on the national scene, with representatives from states such as Arizona, Illinois, and Minnesota receiving scores of zero. Between anti-environment legislators in Congress and Trump’s continued denial of climate change, real progress on key issues continues to falter at the federal law.
 
“At every level of government, Connecticut continues to lead our nation in the fight for green jobs and brighter future,” said Deputy Director of CTLCV Amanda Schoen. “While our delegation boldly stood up to Trump’s anti-environmental agenda, we still face a divided Congress and climate change deniers in the White House. If we want to cut emissions, invest in clean energy, and create green collar jobs, we have to do here in Connecticut—not in Washington.”
 
“After eight years of the most anti-environmental U.S. House ever and two years of relentless attacks on the environment from the Trump administration, the tectonic shift to a pro-environment majority in the people’s House comes not a moment too soon. We could not be more excited to work with the new pro-environment House majority to protect our air, water, lands, and wildlife, combat the climate crisis, and hold the Trump administration accountable,” said LCV Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Tiernan Sittenfeld.
 
The 2018 Scorecard includes 35 House votes that span the chamber’s assaults on clean air and water, lands and wildlife protections, investments in clean energy and so much more. In the Senate, the majority of the 14 votes scored are confirmation votes on Trump’s anti-environmental nominees.
 
LCV has published a National Environmental Scorecard every Congress since 1970. The Scorecard represents the consensus of experts from about 20 respected environmental and conservation organizations who selected the key votes on which members of Congress should be scored. LCV scores vote on the most important issues of the year, including energy, climate change, public health, public lands and wildlife conservation, and spending for environmental programs. The votes included in the Scorecard present members of Congress with a real choice and help distinguish which legislators are working for environmental protection. More information on individual votes and the Scorecard archive can be found at scorecard.lcv.org.

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