FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 30, 2019
CONTACT
Tim Cywinski, Communication Coordinator
(540) 272-5358, Tim.cywinski@sierraclub.org
Six Northern Virginia Legislators Receive 100 Percent Grade on Sierra Club General Assembly Scorecard
Climate and Energy Scorecard Ranks Votes Related to Protecting Virginia’s Environment and Combating Climate Change
RICHMOND, Virginia — The Sierra Club Virginia Chapter released its 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 and advance clean energy.
“In a year when every seat of the General Assembly is up for election, it is vital for voters to distinguish rhetoric from reality on their 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 northern Virginia Senators and 6 northern Virginia delegates received an “A” grade on this year’s scorecard.
“With the rollback of bedrock environmental protections at the federal level, the need for environmental champions in Virginia 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, wilderness, and climate.”
Sen. Jeremy McPike (D-Prince William, Manassas) scored a perfect 100 percent.
Five local Delegates also scored an “A+” including Del. Jennifer Carol Foy (D-Prince William, Stafford), Del. Lee Carter (D- Prince William, Manassas), Del. Elizabeth Guzman (D-Prince William, Fauquier), Danica Roem (D-Prince William, Manassas Park), and Del. Kathy Tran, (D- Fairfax).
“I am proud to fight for environmental justice, and advocate to protect our clean air and water, our beautiful Chesapeake Bay, and pristine wilderness across the commonwealth,” said Delegate Elizabeth Guzman. “I look forward to continue working with Sierra Club members to make Virginia a leader on the environment in the coming years.”
View the complete 2019 Climate and Energy Scorecard at http://vasierra.club/scorecard2019.