Five Chester County lawmakers recently joined dozens of residents virtually to discuss the state of the environment.
The lawmakers discussed their critical actions to protect Pennsylvania’s air and water and combat climate change — and how they stood up against polluters who would put their profits over environmental protection.
The Pennsylvania Environmental Scorecard, compiled by four environmental organizations across the state, scores Pennsylvania Senators and Representatives on their votes on environmental legislation.
Chester County has one of the state’s highest number of environmentally friendly legislators in office — with eight out of our thirteen legislators scoring 100 percent.
"We're proud to recognize the numerous state legislators in Chester County with perfect scores, and we hope their unyielding commitment toward protecting our water, air, and lands become a trend across the state," said Jess Cadorette, Conservation Voters of PA field director.
The scorecard helps Pennsylvanians discover whether their legislators are prioritizing our environment when voting in Harrisburg.
“Protecting our neighborhoods and environment is critical to maintaining the beauty and habitability of our County and our Commonwealth,” said Rep. Dan Williams (HD-74).”I am greatly appreciative that my beliefs have earned myself such a high recommendation from these organizations.”
Said Sen. Katie Muth (SD-44): “Elected officials and those in positions of power who take money from fossil fuel companies should not be drafting or voting on environmental legislation. Too many members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly remain loyal to special interests, resulting in a direct attack on our democracy, our environment and our public health.”
The 2019-2020 Environmental Scorecard reflects a denial of science among legislative leaders that risks the health and safety of Pennsylvania’s residents for generations to come. This session, 116 legislators scored zero percent, marking a 500 percent increase in bad voting records on environmental issues since the last environmental scorecard in 2017-2018. However, Chester County was one of the few regions which saw an increase in legislators scoring 100 percent.
"We all know the urgency of the climate crisis and the importance of preserving and protecting our environment for future generations,” said Rep. Carolyn Comitta (HD-156). “I am proud to stand with my colleagues to ensure that our communities have environmental champions that are dedicated to passing legislation that will safeguard our constitutional right to clean air and water."
Enivironmental scores: State Sen. Andrew Dinniman (SD-19): 67 percent, State Sen. Tim Kearney (SD-26): 100 percent, State Sen. Thomas Killion (SD-9): 50 percent, and State Sen. Katie Muth (SD-44): 100 percent.
State Rep. Stephen Barrar (HD-160): 8 percent, State Rep. Carolyn Comitta (HD-156): 100 percent, State Rep. Tim Hennessey (HD-26): 8 percent, State Rep. Kristine Howard (HD-167): 100 percent, State Rep. John Lawrence (HD-13): 15 percent, State Rep. Danielle Otten (HD-155): 100 percent, State Rep. Christina Sappey (HD-158): 100 percent, State Rep. Melissa Shusterman (HD-157): 100 percent, and State Rep. Dan Williams (HD-74): 100 percent.
Said Sappey: “I remain committed to protecting our rights to clean air, pure water and to the preservation of our open space and environment. Thank you to Conservation Voters of PA for this opportunity to come together and discuss the environmental challenges still facing us.”
Cadorette said environmental issues are important.
"Pennsylvanians deserve to know where their lawmakers stand, and the 2019-2020 Environmental Scorecard is a critical tool to help people stay on top of what bills are passing through Harrisburg and when to hold their legislators accountable, " said Cadorette.