LCV today released our 2006 National Environmental Scorecard. Click here to view the complete Scorecard.
As the 2006 Scorecard reflects, Congress has continued to pursue the same failed policies of the past that benefit Big Oil at the expense of the environment and public health instead of moving our nation toward a smarter, cleaner, safer, and more affordable energy future.
This year, the Congressional leadership didn't even allow debate on forward-looking solutions to our energy problems, such as making cars go further on a gallon of gas, or increasing our use of clean, renewable energy. They simply pushed for more drilling, including offshore drilling and drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Among the other votes included in the 2006 Scorecard are those on drilling royalties, public health and environmental funding.
The 2006 Scorecard includes 112 perfect 100% scores – 93 in the House and 19 in the Senate. There were almost three times as many perfect scores this year as in 2005 when there were only 45 100% scores. Unfortunately, the 2006 Scorecard also includes 100 0% scores – 80 in the House and 20 in the Senate – which is comparable to the 98 zeros from 2005.
The national average this year was 48 percent for Representatives and 45 percent for Senators, which is comparable to the averages of the last couple of years. To learn more about the energy and environmental votes of 2006 and to see how your elected officials voted, click here