News

Ultimate Cheat Sheet to how Your Legislator is Voting on the Environment

If you’ve been feeling like environmental issues are taking a back seat for this new administration, you’re not wrong. But exactly how bad is it?

The 2016 Environmental Scorecard

The Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania provides an excellent tool for voters to monitor how their legislators are voting on the environmental issues they care about.

The 2016 National Environmental Scorecard recently debuted to see how your legislators are doing, on a scale from 0-100. The Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania and the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) compile the report, tracking political voting records since 1971. You can see a yearly overview by state or assess an individual representative’s track record for each bill.

Looking at the data, the current direction for the environment is SAD!, as some may say. Pennsylvania representatives are polarized in their concern for the environment and represent the full range of scores from 0 to 100. But don’t lose hope in Pennsylvania yet, there are some environmental champions among your representatives.

How did PA Representatives Vote on the Environment?

Pennsylvania’s US Senators were polar opposites with their environmental voting scores. Our pal Senator Bob Casey received a perfect green voting record, while M.I.A. Senator Pat Toomey earned zero points for protecting the environment.

“Despite last year being the hottest year on record, members like Senator Pat Toomey put corporate profits ahead of the health of Pennsylvanians, environmental protections, and climate action every chance he got,” said Conservation Voters of PA’s Executive Director Josh McNeil.

How did rest of PA legislators do? See the full list below.

Complete List of Pennsylvania’s Congressional Delegation Scores:

  • Senator Bob Casey (D)- 100
  • Senator Pat Toomey (R) – 0
  • Rep. Robert Brady (D-1)- 97
  • Dwight Evans (D-2) – 100
  • Mike Kelly (R-3) – 0
  • Scott Perry (R-4) – 0
  • Glenn Thompson (R-5) – 3
  • Ryan Costello (R-6) – 39
  • Patrick Meehan (R-7) – 29
  • Michael Fitzpatrick (R-8) – 47
  • Bill Shuster (R-9) – 3
  • Tom Marino (R-10) – 5
  • Lou Barletta (R-11) -3
  • Keith Rothfus (R-12) – 0
  • Brendan Boyle (D-13) – 100
  • Mike Doyle (D-14) – 100
  • Charlie Dent (R-16) – 18
  • Joe Pitts (R-16) – 0
  • Matt Cartwright (D-17) – 100
  • Tim Murphy (R-18) – 3
Marie Bouffard

Marie is a senior at Villanova University studying communication and sustainability. She lives for hiking, camping, skiing, and any outdoor activity. Marie is a coffee addict, loves reading, and has never met a cat or dog she didn't like.

Recent Posts

Lobbying polluters, SEPTA funding boost, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Farm Philly expands Community Compost Network. Farm Philly’s…

6 days ago

From mapping to air bubbles: How local researchers are tackling PFAS in Philly’s water

"Forever chemicals” are in Philly's waterways. Research teams are tracking contamination and testing new ways…

1 week ago

New Trail crew, Fight for Zero Fare, Dreadging threatens fish, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  City to launch first-ever trail maintenance crew. Philadelphia…

2 weeks ago

Philly Fixers Guild: Meet the Philadelphians building community through repair

Sick of your stuff breaking? Once a month, this volunteer-led organization helps community members repair…

2 weeks ago

New bus station home, fossil fuel expansion, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  City searches for new intercity bus station location.…

3 weeks ago

After 20+ years on Superfund list, Franklin Slag Pile cleanup moves forward – without a clear climate plan

EPA begins long-awaited remediation of the contaminated Port Richmond site, which is increasingly vulnerable to…

3 weeks ago