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Mass Audubon Releases 2008 Legislative Report Card

Boston, Mass.—Massachusetts Senators and Representatives showed strong support for environmental issues, receiving an average A- on environmental votes in 2008, according to Mass Audubon's twenty-fourth annual Legislative Report Card. The average score in the House was 92 percent. The average score in the Senate was 93 percent.

"We were thrilled to see so many of Mass Audubon's legislative priorities signed into law during the 2007-2008 session, the greenest in recent history," said Mass Audubon Legislative Director Jennifer Ryan,. We are committed to continuing to work with the legislature to support environmental programs and improve their effectiveness."

Mass Audubon's Legislative Report Card is a compilation of the roll call votes taken by state legislators on environmental bills or funding measures. Such a vote is the single objective measure to evaluate Massachusetts legislators on their environmental performance. A legislator's score does not represent an endorsement, or lack thereof, by Mass Audubon.

In 2008, the House voted on 24 environmental roll call votes (out of a total 364 roll call votes). The Senate voted on 18 environmental roll call votes (out of a total 287 roll call votes). Critical votes were cast in the following areas:

• To preserve natural areas throughout the state;
• Reduce energy consumption and encourage development of renewable energy resources;
• Protect the ocean and establish a framework for ocean management;
• Keep household cleaning products containing phosphorus off the shelves;
• Promote green jobs;
• And, provide funding for environmental programs.

Mass Audubon's Director of Public Policy and Government Relations Jack Clarke was also impressed with the results. "2008 was one of the most productive years for energy and environmental bills in the 24 years we have been rating legislators on their votes. The legislators are to be congratulated on their superior Report Card grades and the work they have put into passing these bills. The challenge before them this year is to provide environmental agencies with sufficient funding to implement the environmental laws now on the Commonwealth's books."

Since 1985, Mass Audubon has compiled the environmental voting records of the Massachusetts Legislature to inform citizens of their state legislators' performance. The Legislative Report Card is a compilation of the roll call votes by state legislators on environmental bills or budget items. It is not a personal evaluation of legislators.

Legislators received one point for voting in favor of environmental protection, and zero points for voting against environmental protection or for not voting at all. The scores of individual legislators are calculated by dividing the total points a legislator earned by the maximum possible score. An individual legislator's score may fluctuate from year to year, subject to the nature of the issues before the legislature, political dynamics, or absences due to illnesses or personal commitments, among other variables. Surveying a legislator's scores over the course of his/her tenure in office may produce a more comprehensive view of his/her commitment to environmental protection. To download copies of all Legislative Report Cards, visit www.massaudubon.org/advocacy.

To read Mass Audubon's campaign strategy and state legislative priorities, visit www.massaudubon.org/advocacy/priorities.php.

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Mass Audubon works to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife. Together with more than 100,000 members, we care for 34,000 acres of conservation land, provide educational programs for 200,000 children and adults annually, and advocate for sound environmental policies at local, state, and federal levels. Mass Audubon's mission and actions have expanded since our beginning in 1896 when our founders set out to stop the slaughter of birds for use on women's fashions. Today we are the largest conservation organization in New England. Our statewide network of 47 wildlife sanctuaries welcomes visitors of all ages and serves as the base for our conservation, education, and advocacy work. To support these important efforts, call 800-AUDUBON (283-8266) or visit www.massaudubon.org.