Rep. John Piscopo Fighting AGAINST the Environment

Hartford, CT - State Representative John Piscopo is once again running uncontested in the 76th House district, representing the towns of Burlington, Harwinton, Litchfield, and Thomaston.  In fact, he has not had a serious challenge since 2006.  For as many years, Piscopo has adamantly denied global warming as a hoax and has routinely ignored important environmental issues in our state.  This, despite living in a state with a proclivity for conserving its resources and protecting clean air, water, and open space.  His record is clearly out of sync with his constituents’ core values.

Piscopo is the First Vice Chairman of the American Legislative Exchange Council, (ALEC).  ALEC is an organization sponsored by large corporations seeking to undo protections for the environment. This group writes model legislation that can be introduced by ultra conservative lawmakers in their home state.  Piscopo’s association with ALEC’s mission is clearly reflected in his abysmal voting record as reported in by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voter’s 2012 Environmental Scorecard. 

Based on a possible 100% rating, Piscopo earned the lowest of all the legislators: 39%. 

He received this score by voting against legislation that would have protected children from toxic chemicals and pesticides, against safe disposal of unwanted pharmaceutical waste, and against open space protection.  This pattern of voting is no anomaly. In the last three years, he scored a 43%, 25%, and 24%, and has earned a staggeringly low lifetime score of 38%. 

This is surprising given the scores Legislators from both sides of the aisle have received from the surrounding communities. Senators representing the same towns as Piscopo have an average 2012 score of 85%. The House districts neighboring Piscopo’s district also elect more environmentally responsible candidates.  The average 2012 score for members of the House from these towns was 94%. 

Even though Piscopo is running uncontested, his constituents should know how he is representing them at the Capitol.  The residents of Burlington, Harwinton, Litchfield, and Thomaston may want to consider letting Piscopo know that they expect a better environmental record from their elected representative.

Email Rep. John Piscopo at [email protected], and tell him it is time he starts representing you at the Capitol and not ALEC.