Maryland LCV: Economy cited in lower environment scores for Md. lawmakers

Economy cited in lower environment scores for Md. lawmakers

Associated Press
June 12, 2008 4:16 PM

ANNAPOLIS - Maryland's lawmakers aren't as green as they were a year ago — and the economy is likely to blame.

That's according to the state League of Conservation Voters, which issued its annual report card on the environmental voting record of state lawmakers Thursday. Scores dropped in the House and Senate, with fewer members getting perfect marks from the environmental lobbying group.

The group says the environment is still a top priority for Maryland lawmakers, but an economic downturn has left fewer dollars for conservation efforts. For example, a $50 million fund designated to clean up the Chesapeake Bay was cut in half this year because of declining tax revenues.

"Against the backdrop of an economic downturn ... conservation scores dropped across the board," said LCV Director Cindy Schwartz.

Among the losses cited by the group: the failure of a bill to cap carbon emissions and the decision by lawmakers to extend by six months a deadline for soapmakers to reduce phosphorus in dishwashing detergent, a move to improve water quality.

The group also pointed out environmental bills that became law, but in weakened form. For example, the LCV scorecard notes that most senators voted to weaken a new law governing development near the Chesapeake and its tributaries by reducing a no-development buffer from 300 feet to 200 feet.

"This was a tough year," Schwartz said.

But the group was quick to add that budget woes caused the setbacks and that Maryland's heavily Democratic legislature is still inclined to support matters important to environmental activists. The state League has scored lawmakers on a 1 to 100 scale since 1979, with scorecard results mailed to about 2,000 people.

High-scoring lawmakers who attended the scorecard's release Thursday agreed the lower scores were attributable to the economy.

Sen. Douglas Peters, D-Prince George's, said budget writers in the legislature were so pressed that even keeping half of the $50 million for Chesapeake Bay restoration was "an incredible feat in itself."

But a Republican also praised by the LCV, Delegate Steve Schuh of Anne Arundel County, argued that lawmakers could have devoted more money to the environment, but chose other priorities. He cited last year's special session, when $1.4 billion in new taxes were approved.

"Very little of it went to the environment," said Schuh, who added that Maryland spends more money building new highways than on Chesapeake restoration efforts. Environmental concerns, he said, have "historically been among the lowest priorities in state spending."

Environmental activists who attended the scorecard release said they doubt the state's finances will turn around in the near term. But they said they're optimistic more progress will be made next year, especially in Washington, where a new administration means new opportunities no matter which party wins the White House.

"There's no question there will be more action on Capitol Hill next year than ever before," said Brad Heavner, head of Environment Maryland, which helps compile the scorecard.