FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2019
CONTACT
Tim Cywinski, Communications Coordinator
(540) 272-5358, tim.cywinski@sierraclub.org
Two Central Virginia Lawmakers Receive 100 Percent Grade on Sierra Club Legislative Scorecard
Climate and Energy Scorecard Ranks Votes Related to Protecting Virginia’s Environment and Combating Climate Change
RICHMOND, Virginia — The Sierra Club Virginia Chapter has released its sixth annual Virginia General Assembly Climate and Energy Scorecard. The scorecard grades the commonwealth’s state elected representatives on their votes during the 2019 General Assembly Session on legislation that will have an impact on Virginia’s energy policies and standards to fight climate change.
“In a year when every seat of the General Assembly is up for election, it is crucial for voters to distinguish rhetoric from reality on their local legislators’ voting history,” said Bob Shippee, Legislative Chair of the Virginia Chapter. “Our annual scorecard shows a contrast between legislators who voted pro-environment and those who did not.”
With the climate crisis rapidly unfolding and public health consequences such as the higher frequency of extreme heat days and excessive rainfall events being felt across the commonwealth, the Sierra Club sets a high scoring standard for lawmakers to receive a top grade. Only 5 central Virginia state lawmakers received an “A” grade on this year’s scorecard.
Of the 5 legislators who scored an “A” rating, Del. Dawn Adams (D-Chesterfield, Richmond) and Del. Debra Rodman (D-Henrico, Richmond) received a perfect 100 percent.
“With a lack of proactive action occurring at the federal level, the need for environmental champions has never been more crucial,” Kate Addleson, Sierra Club Virginia Chapter Director, said. “We commend the lawmakers who consistently take action to protect Virginia’s air, water, and natural places.”
View the complete 2019 Climate and Energy Scorecard at http://vasierra.club/scorecard2019.
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About the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter: The Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club is over 20,000 members strong. We are your friends and neighbors working to build healthy, livable communities, and to conserve and protect our climate and environment. The Virginia Chapter is part of the national Sierra Club, the nation's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization. For more information, visit http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia