FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 28, 2024
CONTACT: Meghan Hurley, Communications Manager, meghan@maineconservation.org, (603) 707-9318 (cell)
League of Conservation Voters Releases National Environmental Scorecard For Maine’s Delegation
AUGUSTA, ME – Today, Maine Conservation Voters released the Maine delegation’s scores for the League of Conservation Voters’ 2023 National Environmental Scorecard highlighting how some members chose to champion the environment and protect our democracy, while others failed to do so. Since 1970, LCV’s Scorecard has been the primary yardstick for evaluating the environmental records of members of Congress. It is available for download online at scorecard.lcv.org.
The 2023 Scorecard shows the stark contrast between pro-environmental members of Congress and extreme MAGA Republicans in Congress. This year, members of our state’s delegation like Representative Chellie Pingree and Senator Angus King worked to fight back against attacks on our democracy and environmental protections unleashed by a chaotic MAGA Republican-led House that took hundreds of votes to cater to fossil fuel interests and the most extreme wing of their conference.
This was a dramatic change from 2022, when climate champions led both the House and Senate, passing the most significant climate and clean energy investments in American history. In 2023, some in our state’s delegation championed legislation that benefits people and the planet. But, unfortunately, some lent their support to those working actively against it. This type of Congressional gridlock and chaos created by MAGA extremists led to one of the least productive Congress’ ever.
“Mainers should be proud to have leaders who stand up against fossil fuel interests and attacks on the environment,” said Kathleen Meil, MCV’s Senior Director of Policy and Partnerships. “Despite the gridlock and chaos in Congress today, we know Representative Pingree and Senator King are working everyday to fight climate change and build a clean energy future. Unfortunately, Representative Golden’s score dropped significantly this year and we encourage him to do more to meet our bold and necessary climate goals. Finally, Mainers must hold Senator Collins accountable when she puts polluters over communities.”
“Following the most productive Congress in history for climate action, 2023 was not only the hottest year on record, it was one of the least productive legislative years ever because of MAGA House Republicans’ extreme leadership,” said LCV Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Tiernan Sittenfeld. “The last Congress showed that transformational change that works for both our communities and our planet is possible when our elected leaders come together to pass meaningful legislation that will tackle the climate crisis and environmental injustice. In 2023, the near record number of House votes included underscores that the new House Republican majority did the bidding of Big Polluters and sought to undo the Biden-Harris administration’s historic leadership on climate change. We appreciate our allies in the House who consistently opposed these attacks and, thanks to champions in the Senate and the President’s steadfast leadership, these attempts to undermine the historic affordable clean energy plan were unsuccessful.”
For the second year, the 2023 Scorecard highlights the leadership of the Tri-Caucus, including the history-making election of House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries as the first member of the Tri-Caucus elected to lead either chamber. Leadership of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), and Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) scored an average of 99% on the 2023 Scorecard. These champions in Congress led and supported many of the climate, conservation, environmental justice, and equitable democracy bills and initiatives in 2023, in addition to helping to educate constituents and connect communities to the transformational investments within the affordable clean energy plan.
The extreme storms and catastrophic floods that continue to affect our communities this year required an all-of-government approach that Congress helped deliver, despite relentless attempts by the fossil fuel industry and other entrenched interests to put their profits over Maine.
The 2023 Scorecard includes 36 votes in the House, several of which were messaging amendments offered on major funding bills. The Senate in contrast approved 69 lifetime federal judges with exceptional environmental records.
The full delegation’s scores for 2023 are:
Senator King – 81%
Senator Collins – 13%
Representative Pingree – 97%
Representative Golden – 53%
LCV has published a National Environmental Scorecard every Congress since 1970. The Scorecard represents the consensus of experts from more than 20 respected environmental and conservation organizations who selected the key votes on which members of Congress should be scored. LCV scores votes on the most important issues of the year, including energy, climate change, environmental justice, public health, public lands and wildlife conservation, democracy, and spending for environmental programs. The votes included in the Scorecard presented 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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Maine Conservation Voters protects the environment and our democracy by influencing public policy, holding politicians accountable, and winning elections.