2016 environmental facebook · 2016. 12. 8. · OVERVIEW The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) works to turn environmental values into national, state, and local priorities, and

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2016 environmentalfacebook

OVERVIEW

The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) works to turn environmental values into national, state, and local priorities, and the 2016 Environmental Facebook summarizes the backgrounds and environmental positions of newly elected federal candidates who were endorsed and/or financially supported by LCV Action Fund and/or state LCV partners. As in past election cycles, LCV Action Fund supported federal candidates who demonstrated a commitment to leading on climate change, promoting clean energy, and protecting our air, water, land and wildlife. It is worth noting that there are other pro-environment new members of Congress who are not included in this document for various reasons, and we look forward to working with them as well.

In the 2016 election cycle, LCV Action Fund endorsed Hillary Clinton for president as well as candidates in 17 U.S. Senate races and 87 U.S. House races. This cycle, we endorsed more candidates who better reflect the diversity of our country, including more women and people of color, than ever before. For a complete list of LCV Action Fund endorsements, including those of incumbents who were re-elected, please visit: www.lcv.org/endorsements.

The 2016 Environmental Facebook includes 4 new members of the U.S. Senate, and 20 new members of the U.S. House. LCV is committed to continue working with both new and returning members of Congress to protect our environment and our health, to tackle climate change, and to build a clean energy future.

ICON KEYThe newly elected officials included in the Environmental Facebook completed a comprehensive League of Conservation Voters questionnaire on a wide variety of energy, environment, and public health issues. The icons on the following pages illustrate where these newly elected officials stand on ten key issues included in the LCV questionnaire. In some cases, omission of a particular icon simply indicates that the candidate’s response was too nuanced to warrant an icon.

SUPPORT FOR the Environmental Protection Agency using its authority under the Clean Air Act to reduce carbon pollution from power plants and opposition to legislative attempts to block, weaken, or delay these safeguards.

SUPPORT FOR legislation reducing carbon pollution by at least 28 percent by 2025 and 80 percent by 2050, investments in climate change preparedness in the U.S. and abroad, and a fair and ambitious global climate change agreement.SUPPORT FOR clean energy tax incentives, including permanently extending the production tax credit (PTC) and the investment tax credit (ITC).

SUPPORT FOR ending taxpayer subsidies for large oil companies and other giveaways for fossil fuels.

SUPPORT FOR legislation to close loopholes for the fracking industry in our major environmental laws, including the Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

SUPPORT FOR legislation to reaffirm the historic scope of the Clean Water Act and for the administration’s authority to protect our waterways, including seasonal streams and wetlands.

SUPPORT FOR legislation to ensure each federal agency makes achieving environmental justice part of its mission.

SUPPORT FOR reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and shifting to a more comprehensive, science-based management approach to fully protect and restore America’s oceans.

SUPPORT FOR legislation to permanently authorize and fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

SUPPORT FOR legislation to permanently protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil and gas development by designating it as wilderness.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) ...................8Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) ...............................9

Kamala Harris (D-CA) ....................................10Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) .............................. 11

Nanette Barragán (D-CA44) ............................14Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DEAL) .....................15Anthony Brown (D-MD04)...............................16Salud Carbajal (D-CA24) ..................................17Charlie Crist (D-FL13) .......................................18Val Demings (D-FL10) .......................................19Adriano Espaillat (D-NY13) ............................ 20Dwight Evans (D-PA02) ....................................21Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX15) ............................ 22Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ05) ............................. 23

Ruben Kihuen (D-NV04) ................................. 24Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL08)...................... 25Al Lawson (D-FL05) .......................................... 26Donald McEachin (D-VA04) .......................... 27Stephanie Murphy (D-FL07) .......................... 28Jimmy Panetta (D-CA20) ................................ 29Jamie Raskin (D-MD08) .................................. 30Jacky Rosen (D-NV03) .......................................31Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH01) .......................... 32Tom Suozzi (D-NY03) ........................................33

THE U.S. SENATE

THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

THE U.S. SENATE

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ICONS EARNED:

CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO (D-NV)

Catherine Cortez Masto has a proven record of defending Nevada’s environment. As the former Nevada attorney general, Cortez Masto fought to protect clean water from corporate polluters, and, in one case, she secured a $1 billion settlement with Anadarko Petroleum Corporation to remediate contamination in Lake Mead.

Building Nevada’s clean energy economy was central to Cortez Masto’s campaign. In the U.S. Senate, she will work to accelerate the growth of the solar, geothermal, and wind industries, and she will protect Nevada’s parks and public lands.

Cortez Masto joins the U.S. Senate after defeating Representative Joe Heck, who earned a spot on LCV’s 2016 Dirty Dozen list with a lifetime score of 8 percent on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard through 2015. She fills the seat of retiring Senator Harry Reid, who earned an 81 percent lifetime score through 2015.

IN HER OWN WORDS:

“As U.S. Senator, I will work to ensure we are fully utilizing Nevada’s abundance of wind, solar, and geothermal energy resources and increase investments in renew-able energy technology to create green jobs here in Nevada. I will also work to preserve and protect Nevada’s incredible public lands—a unique, valuable resource in Nevada that creates thousands of jobs and brings in millions of dollars into our state’s economy every year.”Source: Catherine Cortez Masto

for U.S. Senate website

9

ICONS EARNED:

TAMMY DUCKWORTH (D-IL)

Representative Tammy Duckworth has been a strong environmental leader during her two terms in the U.S. House, earning her a lifetime score of 85 percent on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard though 2015.

Duckworth has advocated for developing Illinois’ clean energy economy and helped lead efforts in Congress to extend tax credits for wind energy. She also introduced legislation to train workers for high-skilled jobs, including jobs in the clean energy industry. As a veteran who served in Iraq, Duckworth understands the costs of our dependence on foreign oil and the national security threats posed by climate change. Duckworth has also been a leader for clean water. In response to the national crisis of elevated lead levels in drinking water, she introduced legislation to urge the EPA to review regulations for lead levels in drinking water.

In the U.S. Senate, Duckworth will continue to champion action on climate change and the development of clean energy. She will work to protect the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land and wildlife we enjoy.

Duckworth joins the U.S. Senate after defeating Senator Mark Kirk, who earned a 57 percent lifetime score on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard through 2015.

IN HER OWN WORDS:

“As a new parent, I feel a particular responsibil-ity to act in the face of overwhelming scientific consensus about global climate change, and you have my commitment that in the Senate I will continue to work with these groups and every-one else who accepts scientific reality and is committed to solving this existential threat.”

Source: Official LCV Action Fund Tammy Duckworth

endorsement press release (3/14/16)

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ICONS EARNED:

KAMALA HARRIS (D-CA)

Kamala Harris has dedicated her career to public service and fighting for justice. As California attorney general, Harris has defended key environmental laws, including California’s cap and trade program and the EPA’s Clean Power Plan. During her tenure, California led the nation in developing innovative measures to fight climate change. Harris was elected attorney general in 2010 and previously served as district attorney of San Francisco.

Harris will work to bring California’s ambitious environmental leadership to the U.S. Senate. She will make it a priority to pass comprehensive legislation to address climate change and continue to grow California’s clean energy economy. Harris will also work to develop solutions to mitigate the effects of the drought in California and protect California’s majestic public lands and natural treasures.

Harris fills the seat of retiring Senator Barbara Boxer, who earned a lifetime score of 91 percent on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard through 2015.

IN HER OWN WORDS:

“California’s climate and environmental protec-tions are a model for the nation, and by working together, we can bring California’s bold envi-ronmental leadership to Washington.”

Source: Official California LCV Kamala Harris


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ICONS EARNED:

CHRIS VAN HOLLEN (D-MD)

Chris Van Hollen has been a leading environmental champion in the U.S. House where he has served since 2002. His outstanding environmental record is demonstrated by his lifetime score of 98 percent on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard through 2015.

In Congress, Van Hollen has introduced numerous pieces of legislation that would reduce carbon pollution, including the Healthy Climate and Family Security Act. He has also worked to promote the development of clean energy by introducing legislation to establish a Green Bank, and as a member of the budget committee he has fought to fully fund environmental priorities such as the EPA and the National Park Service.

In the U.S. Senate, Van Hollen will continue to champion environmental issues and be a leader in working to address climate change. He will build on his record of advocating for Maryland’s environment by working to protect the Chesapeake Bay and supporting Maryland’s moratorium on fracking.

Van Hollen fills the seat of retiring U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, who earned a lifetime score of 85 percent on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard through 2015.

IN HIS OWN WORDS:

“It has been an honor to work in partnership with the League of Conservation Voters to protect the Chesapeake Bay, fight for a healthy environment, and confront climate change. Working together, we can promote good paying clean energy jobs that put people to work while confronting the risings threats and costs of climate change.”

Source: Official LCV Action Fund Chris Van Hollen

endorsement press release

THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

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ICONS EARNED:

NANETTE BARRAGÁN (D-CA44)

Nanette Barragán is a proven environmental champion for California.

Barragán served on the Hermosa Beach City Council where she successfully led efforts to defeat a ballot measure that would have allowed oil drilling in the Santa Monica Bay. In recognition of her work, she received a 2015 Political Leadership Award from the Sierra Club. She has also worked to ban plastic bags in Hermosa Beach.

Barragán is fiercely committed to addressing climate change. In Congress, she will work to expand renewable energy and create clean energy jobs.

Barragán joins the U.S. House to fill the seat of retiring Representative Janice Hahn, who earned a 95 percent lifetime score on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard through 2015.

IN HER OWN WORDS:

“We owe it to our chil-dren to leave them a bet-ter planet than the one we inherited. We can and will move towards a sustainable future for our community by end-ing tax breaks for these polluters and using that money to create new, good-paying, renewable energy jobs and taking the positive steps to protect our commu-nity’s health currently harmed by pollution.”

Source: Nanette Barragán for U.S. Congress website

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ICONS EARNED:

LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER (D-DEAL)

Lisa Blunt Rochester understands the threats that climate change and sea level rise pose to her home state of Delaware, and she is committed to strengthening the state’s infrastructure in order to prepare for the impacts of climate change.

Rochester comes from a family committed to public service and has spent her life giving a voice to people without one. She began her professional career working as a caseworker for then-U.S. Representative Tom Carper. In 1998, Rochester made history as Delaware’s first African American woman secretary of labor. In 2001, she was appointed state personnel director and was commissioned to investigate the Delaware State Police for racial and gender discrimination. She has also served as the CEO of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League. Rochester is the first woman and person of color to represent Delaware in Congress.

Having lived, worked or traveled to over twenty countries across the world, Rochester has seen the impact of global warming and pollution first-hand. She believes we should be prioritizing investments in a clean energy economy as a source of good jobs for communities in Delaware and across the nation.

Rochester takes the U.S. House seat previously held by retiring Representative John Carney, who earned a lifetime score of 90 percent on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard through 2015.

IN HER OWN WORDS:

“Global warming is the biggest environmental threat facing our spe-cies…Congress needs to do more to ensure that the impacts and ben-efits of environmental policies and regulations are felt equally by all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sexual orientation or income.”

Source: LCV 2015-2016 Congressional Questionnaire

16

ICONS EARNED:

ANTHONY BROWN (D-MD04)

Former Maryland Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown, a retired colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, earned an 84 percent score on Maryland LCV’s Environmental Scorecard during his tenure in the Maryland House of Delegates.

Serving with former Governor Martin O’Malley, the O’Malley/Brown administration developed a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan that resulted in over a billion dollars in economic benefits and created tens of thousands of jobs. Brown also worked closely with the Maryland Legislature to build consensus on environmental issues like the Maryland Offshore Wind Act.

In Congress, Brown is committed to working on reducing carbon pollution from power plants, expanding the clean energy economy, and building clean energy infrastructure. He will also make increasing energy efficiency and reducing residential and commercial energy waste a priority.

Brown fills the seat previously held by Representative Donna Edwards, who received a 97 percent lifetime score on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard through 2015.

IN HIS OWN WORDS:

“I am committed to doing our part to address climate change, strengthen our air and water quality, and preserve our National Parks. Together, we’ll work to ensure future generations can enjoy a clean and healthy environment.”

Source: Official LCV Action Fund Anthony Brown


17

ICONS EARNED:

SALUD CARBAJAL (D-CA24)

Salud Carbajal has a proven environmental record from his work as a Santa Barbara County supervisor. Carbajal led efforts to pass a climate action plan and supported the first large scale solar project in Santa Barbara County. He has also defended California’s pristine Central Coast from fracking and offshore drilling. In addition to his record as a county supervisor, Carbajal has worked on President Obama’s Local Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience.

In Congress, Carbajal will continue to be an advocate for clean energy and work for solutions to fight climate change. He knows that developing clean energy presents a major economic opportunity for California and for our country. Carbajal will also be a champion for protecting California’s Central Coast and public lands.

Carbajal fills the seat of retiring Representative Lois Capps, who earned a lifetime score of 95 percent on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard through 2015.

IN HIS OWN WORDS:

“In Congress, I will fight to protect our Central Coast’s environment including our unique coastal ecosystems and renew our investments in clean energy sources and technology, so that future generations have clean air, clean water and the opportunity to enjoy these open spaces in our region and throughout our country.”

Source: Official LCV Action Fund Salud Carbajal

Endorsement Press Release (8/31/16)

18

ICONS EARNED:

CHARLIE CRIST (D-FL13)

Former Governor Charlie Crist has a long record of being an environmental champion.

Crist served Florida as governor from 2006-2010, where he set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the use of clean energy. He built support for climate action by convening a national climate change conference in Miami and creating the Governor’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change. Crist also helped protect the Everglades and opposed offshore drilling. He previously served in the Florida Senate and as Florida attorney general.

In Congress, Crist will be a strong advocate for action on climate change and clean energy development. He will also continue to focus on strengthening protections for the Everglades and oppose offshore drilling.

Crist joins the U.S. House after defeating Representative David Jolly, who was named to LCV’s Dirty Dozen list and earned a lifetime score of 8 percent on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard through 2015.

IN HIS OWN WORDS:

“In Congress, I’ll work to ensure climate change is finally treated as the economic and national security threat that it is.”

Source: Official LCV Action Fund Charlie Crist


19

ICONS EARNED:

VAL DEMINGS (D-FL10)

As a lifelong Florida resident, Val Demings knows how important a healthy environment is to our economy and our way of life. During her tenure as police chief of the Orlando Police Department, Val Demings led efforts to make the department’s car fleet more efficient and helped reduce the agency’s carbon footprint.

Demings joined the Orlando Police Department after college, and in 2007, she was appointed Chief of Police, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the department. She retired from the force in 2011. Demings is eager to continue her career in public service by representing the people of the 10th District of Florida in the House of Representatives.

Demings is fully committed to supporting action to tackle the climate crisis and boost clean energy. In Congress, Demings is looking to be a bridge between the conservation and business communities, encouraging both public and private sector managers to incorporate conservation and efficiency programs in their budgeting processes.

Demings fills this seat left open after court-ordered redistricting in the state. Florida’s 10th Congressional District was previously held by Representative Daniel Webster, who earned a lifetime score of 7 percent on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard through 2015. Webster won the election to represent Florida’s 11th Congressional District.

IN HER OWN WORDS:

“From our beautiful beaches and lakes that form the backbone of our tourism industry, to the incredible biodiver-sity that Floridians new and old have enjoyed for generations, I believe we must protect the environment to protect our Florida way of life. I also think that our incredible access to year-round sun and the ocean present Florida with an opportunity to be a leader in provid-ing clean, renewable domestic energy in the future.”


20

ICONS EARNED:

ADRIANO ESPAILLAT (D-NY13)

Adriano Espaillat, the first Dominican elected to the New York Legislature, has a strong record of fighting for environmental justice. He is a committed environmental champion who recognizes the public health impacts of climate change.

Espaillat has served in the state legislature since 1996, and he has introduced legislation on a wide range of environmental issues, including public notification of lead poisoning, protecting air quality at day care centers, monitoring water contamination throughout the state, and protecting people who are exposed to pesticides.

In Congress, Espaillat will be a strong leader for conservation of our natural resources and for environmental justice, standing up for communities affected by pollution and contamination. He will also build on his work to ensure government agencies are meeting high environmental standards, and he will be an advocate for low income communities and communities of color dealing with the disproportionate impacts of climate change.

Espaillat takes the U.S. House seat held by retiring Representative Charles Rangel, who earned a liftetime score of 82 percent on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard through 2015.

IN HIS OWN WORDS:

“I am committed to making environmental justice a priority for upper Manhattan and the Bronx, by address-ing the environmental health disparities caused by the dense con-centration of industrial facilities and inad-equate public transit in the district responsible for unacceptable rates of asthma and health issues.”


21

ICONS EARNED:

DWIGHT EVANS (D-PA02)

During his time in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Dwight Evans has been a conservation ally, earning a 100 percent score on the Conservation Voters for Pennsylvania’s 2013-2014 Scorecard.

Evans voted consistently for clean energy and energy efficiency initiatives, worked to secure over $1 million in state funds for the City of Philadelphia to plant trees in the city, and was a leader in creating the Pennsylvania Fresh Foods Financing Initiatives to help bring sustainable food into underserved communities, a program that was recognized with the EPA’s National Award for Smart Growth Achievement.

Evans wants to strengthen urban life in Philadelphia and around the country. Among his priorities are promoting transit-oriented development, making streets more bike-friendly, and creating more city parks.

Evans takes the U.S. House seat previously held by Representative Chaka Fattah, who earned a lifetime score of 90 percent on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard through 2015.

IN HIS OWN WORDS:

“I believe that our urban core can be an economic generator for our country and do so through green energy investment, mass trans-portation improvement and other sustainable practices leading the way. I will champion these and other issues in Congress.”


22

ICONS EARNED:

VICENTE GONZALEZ (D-TX15)

In the court room, Vicente Gonzalez has built a reputation as a fighter for families, and he is bringing those principles to Congress.

Gonzalez ran his law practice in McAllen, Texas and has had a very successful career as a trial lawyer, winning numerous cases against large insurance companies and other corporations. He has taken on legal cases on environmental issues, including seismic testing, water pollution, and asbestos, and he is concerned about the environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing.

In Congress, one of Gonzalez’s priorities is to promote the preservation of the Texas coast and protect against pollution and overfishing. He would also like to strengthen the Clean Air Act.

Gonzalez takes the U.S. House seat held by retiring Representative Ruben Hinojosa, who earned a lifetime score of 65 percent on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard through 2015.

IN HIS OWN WORDS:

“I do believe climate change is a real threat. I believe that we need to develop policy that pro-motes job creation with responsible development but protects communities impacted from flaring, stripping, water con-tamination, water short-age, hazardous waste, unsafe living conditions, and other infrastructure deficiencies.”


23

ICONS EARNED:

JOSH GOTTHEIMER (D-NJ05)

Josh Gottheimer, a former speechwriter for President Bill Clinton and Microsoft executive, put environmental issues at the forefront of his campaign.

Gottheimer values protecting New Jersey’s clean water, coasts and clean air, and addressing the climate crisis. When elevated levels of likely carcinogenic perfluorooctanoic acid, also known as PFOA or C8, were recently discovered in the drinking water and environment of a number of North Jersey towns, he quickly worked to bring attention to the issue and called out his opponent for his repeated votes against clean water protections.

In Congress, Gottheimer will be a great advocate for our health and environment. He will work to increase the safeguards for our drinking water and fight for resources for our local communities to acquire proper water treatment technologies and replace older lead pipes.

Gottheimer defeated Representative Scott Garrett, who earned a 9 percent lifetime score on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard through 2015.

IN HIS OWN WORDS:

“As a parent of young children, I understand how critical it is that we raise our sons and daughters in communi-ties with safe water to drink and clean air to breathe. That’s non-negotiable. We must strengthen our water infrastructure, protect our schools from lead and other toxic chemi-cals, and keep our parks and natural resources pristine.”

Source: Official LCV Action Fund Josh Gottheimer


24

ICONS EARNED:

RUBEN KIHUEN (D-NV04)

Ruben Kihuen has served in the Nevada Legislature since 2007 and has earned a lifetime score of 94 percent on the Nevada Conservation League’s Conservation Scorecard. He is the first Latino elected to represent Nevada in Congress.

Kihuen served two terms in the Nevada Assembly before his election to the Nevada Senate in 2010. He was a strong supporter of legislation to strengthen the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard for clean energy development and put Nevada on a path to phase out coal-fired power plants. He also worked on legislation to increase clean energy loan programs for businesses and expand energy efficiency and storage technologies, and he hosted a bilingual town hall to ensure that all Nevadans are a part of the clean energy discussion.

Kihuen was one of only a few state senators to speak against an extreme proposal to seize all federally managed lands, and he will continue to be a conservation leader in Congress. He is a staunch advocate for responsible management of our public lands and has advocated for the preservation of important places like Tule Springs, Basin and Range, and Gold Butte.

Kihuen won a competitive primary and went on to defeat Representative Cresent Hardy in the general election. Hardy was a member of the 2016 Dirty Dozen and earned a lifetime score of 0 percent on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard through 2015.

IN HIS OWN WORDS:

“Nevada deserves lead-ers who will protect our public lands and work to combat climate change. I am ready to go to Congress to fight for what’s best for Neva-dans.”

Source: Official LCV Action Fund Ruben Kihuen


25

ICONS EARNED:

RAJA KRISHNAMOORTHI (D-IL08)

A business leader in the clean energy sector, Raja Krishnamoorthi will bring to Congress his expertise in the science and economics of climate change, helping America continue its leadership in this critical fight.

Krishnamoorthi is the president of Sivananthan Labs and Episolar, Inc., a small business in the Chicago area that develops products in the national security and renewable energy industries. He is also a co-founder of InSPIRE, a non-profit organization that provides training in solar technology to inner-city students and veterans. An attorney and veteran of President Obama’s 2004 campaign for U.S. Senate, he served as special assistant attorney general in the Public Integrity Unit and as deputy state treasurer in Illinois.

Krishnamoorthi will use his experience in the clean energy industry to advance public policies that create jobs and address climate change. He has also pledged to defend our air, water, lands, and wildlife from attacks in Congress.

Krishnamoorthi takes the U.S. House seat previously held by Representative Tammy Duckworth, who earned a lifetime score of 85 percent on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard through 2015 and has been elected to represent Illinois in the U.S. Senate.

IN HIS OWN WORDS:

“As the president of a small business that pro-duces solar technology, I know that investing in clean energy is a moral imperative, a national security necessity, and sound economics.”

Source: Official LCV Action Fund Raja Krishnamoorthi endorsement press release

(5/10/16)

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ICONS EARNED:

AL LAWSON (D-FL05)

Al Lawson has had a strong environmental record throughout his 28 years of service in the Florida Legislature.

As chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, he sponsored Preservation 2000, the predecessor to the Florida Forever program, which has purchased more than 2.5 million acres of environmentally sensitive land over the years. He also served as chairman of the Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee in the state Senate. He also served on the Energy Action Team which worked to develop a long term climate action plan for the state.

In Congress, Lawson will make conservation and clean water infrastructure investments top priorities. He will also fight to expand clean energy legislation that will reduce fossil fuel consumption and the associated carbon pollution.

Lawson defeated Representative Corrine Brown in the primary election. Brown earned a lifetime score of 87 percent on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard through 2015.

IN HIS OWN WORDS:

“Permanently funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Water Resources Development Act will be my top budgetary goals for providing environ-mental protection. I will aggressively support policies to address climate change.”


27

ICONS EARNED:

DONALD MCEACHIN (D-VA04)

State Senator Donald McEachin brings to Congress a long track record of environmental leadership in the Virginia Legislature, where he earned a 91 percent lifetime score on the Virginia League of Conservation Voters’ Conservation Scorecard. Virginia LCV named him a Legislative Hero in six of the last seven years.

The state Senate Democratic caucus chair, McEachin co-founded the bipartisan Virginia Environment and Renewable Energy Caucus, which focuses on advancing green policies in the state legislature. He also sought to enroll Virginia in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and to create a mandatory statewide renewable energy standard (RES).

As a Master of Divinity, McEachin’s stewardship for the Earth is informed by his religious faith, and he is committed to fighting for communities that suffer disproportionately from environmental injustices. He has a strong commitment to acting on climate change and preserving the Chesapeake Bay.

McEachin takes the U.S. House seat of Representative Randy Forbes, who earned a 5 percent lifetime score on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard through 2015. Forbes lost in the Republican primary for Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District following redistricting.

IN HIS OWN WORDS:

“Protecting our envi-ronment is good and important policy and a moral imperative. Our children and grandchil-dren deserve to inherit a clean, healthy, sustain-able Earth. As a state senator, I have worked to address and mitigate climate change while also striving to reduce and eliminate pollu-tion and preserve open space.”

Source: Official LCV Action Fund Donald McEachin


28

ICONS EARNED:

STEPHANIE MURPHY (D-FL07)

Stephanie Murphy has worked in her local community to help protect the lakes and wetlands that are the source waters for the Indian River Lagoon, which is currently experiencing an environmental crisis with toxic algae blooms that are closing beaches and killing endangered manatees.

Murphy has worked as an executive at SunGate Capital and a business and social entrepreneurship professor at Rollins College. Previously, Murphy served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense as a national security specialist, working on issues from counter-terrorism to foreign military relations to strategic planning.

In Congress, Murphy will be a strong fighter for Florida’s coasts, working to protect the ocean and fisheries while opposing additional oil and gas drilling and pushing to end taxpayer subsidies for large oil companies. She believes in investing in a 21st century transportation system, including increasing access to public transit, rail, biking, and pedestrian options that will reduce fossil fuel consumption.

Murphy joins the U.S. House after defeating Representative John Mica, who received a lifetime score of 6 percent on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard through 2015.

IN HER OWN WORDS:

“By protecting Florida’s natural resources, we not only preserve our beautiful state for generations to come, but we also protect our economic way of life and the jobs that come with it. When I am elected, I will be a strong advocate for our envi-ronment, for cleaner air and water, and for smart investments in green energy that both reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and make energy more affordable for Florida families.”

Source: Official LCV Action Fund Stephanie Murphy


29

ICONS EARNED:

JIMMY PANETTA (D-CA20)

Jimmy Panetta has a long record of public service through his work as a district attorney in Monterey County and as an intelligence officer with the U.S. Naval Reserve, where he served in active duty in Afghanistan. Panetta has also been an active community member, serving as a member of the Advisory Council for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Protecting California’s Central Coast will be one of Panetta’s top priorities in Congress. He will work to preserve the many unique environmental treasures in this district, and he will continue protecting public spaces such as Monterey Bay and Pinnacles National Park. He will also work to address climate change by supporting efforts to develop clean energy.

Jimmy Panetta fills the seat of retiring Representative Sam Farr, who earned a lifetime score of 95 percent on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard through 2015.

IN HIS OWN WORDS:

“I am committed to con-tinuing the tradition of strong leadership on environmental protec-tion and preservation that supports our local economy—tourism, agriculture and our marine research insti-tutions.”

Source: Official LCV Action Fund Jimmy Panetta


30

ICONS EARNED:

JAMIE RASKIN (D-MD08)

As a Maryland state senator and a constitutional law and legislation professor at American University, Jamie Raskin has been a strong champion for Maryland’s environment and addressing the climate crisis. His incredible leadership has earned him an impressive 98 percent lifetime score on Maryland LCV’s Environmental Scorecard.

Raskin was first elected to the Maryland Senate in 2006, and he became majority whip in 2012. He was the lead sponsor on a number of significant environmental bills, including the Green Maryland Act, which compels the state to look for environmentally-friendly products when making state purchasing decisions; the most important stormwater legislation in more than a decade; and the renowned “Jane Lawton Farm-to-Schools” law, which connects county school systems to local farmers to provide school children with local produce.

In Congress, climate action and protecting the Chesapeake Bay will be top priorities for Raskin. He is a strong advocate for market-based solutions to reduce carbon pollution, such as a carbon fee and dividend system that will facilitate a transition to a renewable energy economy.

Raskin takes the U.S. House seat held by Chris Van Hollen, who was elected to represent Maryland in the U.S. Senate. Van Hollen has earned a liftetime score of 98 percent on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard through 2015.

IN HIS OWN WORDS:

“Climate change isn’t just an issue. It is the entire context in which we have to make all our public policy decisions. [W]e are on the preci-pice of a new Green Industrial Revolution. Let’s not mess it up. It’s almost certainly our last chance. We must show the vigor and creativity of the people who invented the New Deal.”

Source: Jamie Raskin for U.S. Congress Website

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ICONS EARNED:

JACKY ROSEN (D-NV03)

Jacky Rosen is an experienced businesswoman and community leader, who has worked closely with nonprofits and organizations to address issues facing working families and seniors, including education, health care, and economic security. She was the first in her family to graduate from college.

Rosen has had a successful career as a computer programmer and software developer. As the former president of Congregation Ner Tamid, she led a team that constructed one of the largest solar arrays in the City of Henderson, so she has witnessed firsthand the opportunities to create jobs, reduce pollution, and save money by investing in clean energy.

In Congress, Rosen will work to make Nevada one of the premier places for research and development of clean energy, particularly solar energy. She is also a proponent of building sustainable communities that protect our health and environment and boost the economy. She is committed to tackling climate change and will stand up to those who want to sell off our public lands and turn Yucca Mountain into a nuclear waste dump.

Rosen replaces Representative Joe Heck, who vacated his seat in an unsuccessful run for the U.S. Senate. Heck earned a lifetime score of 8 percent on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard through 2015 and was featured as a member of the 2016 Dirty Dozen.

IN HER OWN WORDS:

“I look forward to work-ing together in Congress to protect our public lands, expand clean energy production and take action to address climate change and drought in Southern Nevada.”

Source: Official LCV Action Fund Jacky Rosen


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ICONS EARNED:

CAROL SHEA-PORTER (D-NH01)

Carol Shea-Porter has proven her commitment to environmental protection from her previous service in Congress. Shea-Porter represented New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District from 2006-2010 and 2012-2014, earning a 96 percent lifetime score on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard.

While in Congress, Shea-Porter served on the House Natural Resources Committee and supported the EPA’s Clean Power Plan, worked to reduce cross-state air pollution, and opposed offshore drilling.

In returning to Congress, Shea-Porter will continue to support climate action by defending the Clean Power Plan and advocating for major investments in clean energy. She has called for establishing an Apollo-like program to advance renewable energy.

Shea-Porter returns to the U.S. House after defeating Representative Frank Guinta, who earned a lifetime score of 10 percent on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard through 2015.

IN HER OWN WORDS:

“Climate change is real, and it is impacting our planet and the Granite State as we speak. We need our policy makers in Congress to finally acknowledge the reality of climate change and the effect it is having on our environment.”

Source: Carol Shea-Porter for U.S. Congress website

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ICONS EARNED:

TOM SUOZZI (D-NY03)

A longtime public servant, Tom Suozzi has a strong track record of delivering results so the people of Long Island can have a cleaner environment.

Suozzi was an environmental champion during his tenures as Nassau County executive and Mayor of Glen Cove. His leadership included spearheading a Superfund and brownfield site cleanup that was formally recognized by then-Vice President Al Gore. He also helped pass a bond measure to preserve open space and improve and protect water quality and developed the county’s comprehensive Clean Air and Energy Action Plan.

In Congress, Suozzi will prioritize protecting the Long Island Sound and promoting clean energy. An environmental leader who knows how to get things done, he is committed to delivering federal funding to protect the environment for the people of the 3rd Congressional District.

Suozzi fills the seat being vacated by retiring Representative Steve Israel, who received a lifetime score of 95 percent on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard through 2015.

IN HIS OWN WORDS:

“Throughout my career I have worked hard to clean up pollution, preserve open space, clean up toxic sites, protect our air and the Long Island Sound, and to ensure our drinking water is clean. I will continue that fight in Congress.”

Source: Official NYLCV Tom Suozzi endorsement

press release (10/6/16)

LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS1920 L Street NW #800 | Washington, DC 20036

Phone: (202) 785-8683 | Fax: (202) 835-0491

Email: [email protected]

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The 2016 Enviromental Facebook is also available online at

www.lcv.org/facebook

Documents

2016 environmental facebook · 2016. 12. 8. · OVERVIEW The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) works to turn environmental values into national, state, and local priorities, and