Washington Conservation Voters, Washington’s political voice for the environment, released its 2017-2018 Legislative Scorecard, grading state legislators on how they voted to protect our communities’ environment and public health. The Scorecard captures the stark contrasts between different leadership teams in the Senate between the 2017 and 2018 legislative sessions. Although the oil industry and major state polluters still wield tremendous influence in Olympia, a majority of Washingtonians, regardless of political affiliation, support strong protections for the environment.
View the full scorecard online here: https://wcvoters.org/scorecards/2018/
“2018’s change in Senate leadership finally brought Washington communities signs of progress from toxic chemical and oil spill protection to energy efficiency in homes and businesses,” said Shannon Murphy, President of Washington Conservation Voters. “Elections have consequences and in communities across the state, 2018 give us the chance to pull power back from the oil industry and big polluters, and give us a legislature that truly reflects our state’s values.”
The Scorecard covers the 2017 and 2018 legislative sessions and includes 14 votes in the Senate and 12 votes in the House. Major legislation included the Oil Spill Prevention Act, Toxic Free Food Packaging, and support for energy efficient buildings.
Despite the lobbying power and political influence from the oil industry, the Scorecard shows bipartisan support for top environmental community priorities like protecting and preparing for oil spills in Puget Sound and banning carcinogenic toxins from some processed food packaging.
“We can be proud of the tireless work of champions like Governor Inslee, Senator Reuven Carlyle, and Representatives Gael Tarleton and Joe Fitzgibbon,” said Joan Crooks, CEO Washington Conservation Voters. “Polluters work hard in Olympia to stop progress toward clean air and clean water, but these leaders work tirelessly to protect this place we call home.”
Looking ahead, the legislature has significant work to do to advance the strong public desire for clean air and water. This election year, all House seats and half of the Senate seats are up for election. Washingtonians have an opportunity to expand environmental leadership in the legislature, which will help strengthen the recovery of Puget Sound, ensure healthy forests, and accelerate the transition to clean and affordable energy.