Tennessee Conservation Voters say the General Assembly looks more ‘green’ these days. The group released its annual legislative score card (today/yesterday) ranking lawmakers for their votes on 20 different bills.
Only two of the bills tracked by the Conservation Voters would have had negative impacts on the environment. One passed after being watered down. The other – which redefines what a waterway is – was given to a study committee.
The organization’s lobbyist Stewart Clifton says voting in an ‘environmentally friendly’ way is less about ‘standing out’ these days and more about being ‘left out.’
“Partly it’s accountability. The public’s demanding more environmentally sound policies. Partly it’s a governor who has been – without question – one of the best environmental governors in the country and that we’ve ever had. He’s had some great environmental initiatives.”
The report card praises Governor Bredesen for purchasing 124-thousand acres on the Cumberland Plateau, which was approved by the General Assembly.
High-scoring lawmakers included Democratic Senators Rosalind Kurita of Clarksville and Beverly Marrero of Memphis. Republican Senator Ray Finney of Maryville also scored highly. Representative Mike McDonald led the House, followed by Mike Turner of Old Hickory – both Democrats. Republican Representative Frank Nicely of Strawberry Plains was the only lawmaker with a negative score.
Conservation Voters acknowledge the scorecard isn’t an even comparison of legislators. Those on the environment or finance committees have the opportunity to vote on bills that never make it to a full floor vote.
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