Sen. Eldridge Ranked as 'True Leader' on Environmental Issues

Senator Jamie Eldridge, D-Acton, is a true leader on environmental issues, according to his perfect scores on the Environmental League of Massachusetts’ unique and inaugural legislative scorecard. The scorecard gauges true leadership on environmental issues – not just votes, upending more traditional rankings that are often based mainly on non-controversial votes, said a press release.

“I am honored to be given this grade by the Environmental League of Massachusetts,” said Sen. Eldridge. “Fighting for the preservation and improvement of land, parks and clean energy in the Commonwealth has always been at the forefront of my priorities. It was a pleasure to work with ELM last session to help pass the water infrastructure bill and the Environmental Bond Bill, among countless other budget items and environmental initiatives last session. I look forward to a continued close partnership with ELM this session.”

“Jamie Eldridge has been a strong advocate for the environment in the State House and our new scorecard helps us show voters just what a great leader he is,” said ELM President George Bachrach in an announcement. “This is our best effort to give voters a sense of who is really on their side in the critically important work that goes on out of public view.”

The legislative scorecard from ELM, the oldest environmental advocacy organization in the Commonwealth, awards additional points to lawmakers who led by sponsoring important legislation and deducts points for lawmakers who filed measures that ELM opposed.

The scorecard awarded bonus points to legislators such as Sen. Eldridge who authored bills that were environmental priorities or who introduced important amendments, particularly budget amendments to increase funding for state environmental agencies. Lawmakers lost points for introducing legislation or amendments that hurt the environment.