Most MD Lawmakers Are Environmentalists, But 1 Falls Flat: Report

WASHINGTON, D.C. — An environmental advocacy group said most Maryland lawmakers are good stewards of the environment. The Maryland League of Conservation Voters released its annual report card last Thursday, applauding nine of the state's 10 members in Congress.

"Thankfully we have representatives who have stood up for Maryland’s values and put our future first," Executive Director Kim Coble said in a press release.

The League of Conservation Voters used the National Environmental Scorecard to determine its grades. This evaluated legislators' votes on key bills and nominations. For the first time, the environmental grading scale also examined representatives' votes on racial and criminal justice topics.

"The same damaging system—racism—is at the root of climate injustice, environmental injustice, and police brutality," the press release said. "The 2020 Scorecard therefore includes votes that reflect LCV’s belief that these struggles are intertwined and must be addressed together."

The full grades from the Maryland League of Conservation Voters are posted below:

• Sen. Ben Cardin (D): 92 percent
• Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D): 92 percent
• Rep. Andy Harris (R-1): 0 percent
• Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-2): 100 percent
• Rep. John Sarbanes (D-3): 100 percent
• Rep. Anthony Brown (D-4): 95 percent
• Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-5): 100 percent
• Rep. David Trone (D-6): 100 percent
• Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-7): 100 percent
• Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-8): 100 percent

"Harris continues to side with corporate polluters over Maryland’s health and environment," Coble said. "There has never been a more important time for our delegation to work together and to protect every Maryland resident."

Harris has not yet responded to Patch's request for comment. We will update the story when we hear back.

More information about the report card's methodology is available here. Nationwide results are posted on this website.

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