Finish the Job
We've got to send Chris Bell to the Senate, and we can do it by helping him win his runoff.
Chris Bell is committed to clean air and clean energy for the Gulf Coast and for Texas. He's going to deliver on Ike recovery efforts, and he's going to be an advocate for addressing climate change which makes hurricanes bigger and worse. His opponent will deliver more of what we've had too much of for too long: support for anti-conservation policies that help the polluters and the insurance companies get richer.
Texas needs to create the green collar jobs that will build our future clean energy economy. Joan Huffman won't be able to do that. Chris Bell is the right person for the job.
Help the League's PAC send Chris Bell to the Senate. Senator Bell will be a voice for common sense, pro-conservation change in Texas. Please give now.
Labels: chris bell, Texas Senate
Top Billing
Repeal authority to create the harmful Trans Texas Corridor (HB 11 by Rep. Leibowitz).
Make it illegal for homeowners associations to prohibit homeowners from installing solar panels (HB 25 by Rep. Leibowitz and SB 236 by Sen. West)
Make it harder for water authorities to limit the transfer of water outside of a water district when issuing a permit for a well (HB 43 by Rep. Corte).
Exempting counties from paying the diesel fuel tax (HB 64 by Rep. Aycock)
Restricting the places where injection wells may be drilled and other restrictions on injection wells (HB 178 and HB 179 by Rep. Creighton and SB 273, SB 274 and SB 275 by Sen. Nichols).
Proposing an amendment to the Texas Constitution dedicating a portion of gasoline and motor vehicle fuel tax revenue to highway construction (HJR 13 by Rep. Leibowitz).
Amending the Texas Constitution to create a right to hunt and to fish (HJR 20 by Rep. Anderson).
Creating a green job skills training program (SB 108 by Sen. Ellis).
Relating TCEQ's creation of a low emission vehicles program (SB 119 by Sen. Ellis)
Creating higher permitting requirements for polluting facilities that are located in poor or minority neighborhoods (SB 124 by Sen. Ellis).
A moratorium on coal-fired power plant permits (SB 126 by Sen. Ellis).
Exemption from sales tax for some renewable energy devises (SB 130 by Sen. Ellis).
Letting hybrid vehicles drive in HOV lanes even with only one person in the car (SB 132 by Sen. Ellis).
Sales tax exemption for certain energy-efficient products (SB 133 and SB 134 by Sen. Ellis).
A cap-and-trade program for reducing greenhouse gas emissions (SB 136 by Sen. Ellis).
Related to emissions standards for air pollution under the Texas Clean Air Act (SB 171 by Sen. Gallegos).
Reducing to air emissions and the reporting of emissions (SB 173 and SB 176 by Sen. Gallegos).
Relating to "no regrets" greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies (SB 184 by Sen. Watson).
Creating the Texas Partnership for Children in Nature (SB 205 by Sen. Shapleigh).
Requiring utility companies to meet energy efficiency requirements before increasing utility bills (SB 211 by Sen. Shapleigh).
Prohibiting the use of eminent domain to take private property for recreational purposes (SB 219 by Sen. Nichols).
Relating to restrictions on the location and operation of concrete crushing facilities (SB 259 by Sen. Ellis).
Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the dedication of the revenue received from the sporting goods sales tax to TPWD and Texas Historical Commission (SJR 6 by Sen. Ellis).
Already, certain themes are emerging from the bills that have been filed:
Attempting to improve air quality
Providing incentives for energy efficient products
There's a lot more to come - generally about 6,000 bills are introduced during the legislative session; only about 1/5 of those are ever going to come close to becoming the law of the land. The League will keep an eye on bills filed; we'll support pro-conservation bills and oppose anti-conservation bills.
Labels: 81st Texas Legislature, bill filing
Alliance for Clean Texas hiring Coordinator for Legislative Session
Texas League of Conservation Voters and other environmental groups active at the State Capitol are organized through the Alliance for a Clean Texas coalition.
The Coalition is hiring a Legislative Coordinator for the next session of the Texas Legislature.
Interested folks may download the job posting here:
Alliance%20for%20a%20Clean%20Texas%20Job%20Description%20-%202009%20Session.doc
Labels: 81st Texas Legislature, Alliance for a Clean Texas
The Texas Environment Wins at the Ballot Box!
At this singular moment in American elections, voters nationwide and in Texas embraced change, and our environment will be better for it.
Conservation voters made real progress at the ballot box, again. From El Paso to Texarkana, Houston to the Metroplex, conservation candidates and incumbents won tough races, in part because of their clean air, clean energy positions. In each recent election including this one, pro-conservation leaders picked up seats in the Texas House. Our future clean energy economy is closer to becoming a reality because of yesterday’s election.
Download TLCV-PAC's full list of wins and losses for the Texas House and Senate here: Election%20Night%202008%20for%20Public.pdf
Twenty-six of 34 leaders in contested races endorsed by the Texas League of Conservation Voters Political Committee won at the ballot box, possibly setting the stage for the election of a pro-conservation Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. In our 14 top priority races for the Texas House, the pro-conservation leader won 11.
Conservation Incumbents Returned to Texas House of Representatives
The League’s Political Committee’s victories include helping return the following incumbents, all in difficult races, to office:
- Rep. Hubert Vo, District 149, Houston. Thanks in part to the financial support of conservation voters, our mail efforts and our telephone calls, Rep. Hubert Vo can continue to be a clean air leader in the House.
- Rep. Allen Vaught, District 107, Dallas. Last session, Rep. Vaught championed efforts to stop dirty coal plants. Our efforts helped Rep. Vaught get re-elected, and his leadership will continue to benefit the Texas environment in Austin.
- Rep. Stephen Frost, District 1, Northeast Texas. Rep. Frost earned and deserves re-election because of his commitment to stopping the harmful Marvin Nichols reservoir. The League looks forward to work with this expert ‘water guy’ in the next session.
- Rep. Chuck Hopson, District 11, East Texas. Rep. Hopson earned our endorsement because of his true commitment to protecting wildlife habitat and strengthening our state parks system. He eked out a very narrow victory over an anti-conservation challenger, and we look forward to working with him to secure parks funding next session.
Conservation challengers win big in Texas House
These challengers were able to upset anti-conservation incumbents or win open seats:
- Joe Moody, District 78, El Paso. Voters sent a powerful message with the election of Joe Moody, who will bring common sense leadership to El Paso to urgent conservation issues such as keeping Asarco closed, reforming clean air policies that encourage pollution, and expanding our ailing state parks system.
- Carol Kent, District 102, Dallas County. Carol Kent is more than just an alternative to a mealy-mouthed, false-promise-making incumbent – she’s ready to be a clean air leader for Texas. Rep. Goolsby lost this campaign because he’s out of touch with voters in his district, who needed, and elected, a leader ready to work on improving North Texas’ abysmal air quality.
- Diana Maldonado, District 52, Williamson County. Education leader Diana Maldonado won an impressive victory in a formerly conservative district. She earned our support and endorsement because of her commitment to building Texas’ future green economy.
- Robert Miklos, District 101, Mesquite. In this Dallas suburb, Robert Miklos’s clean air leadership won a clear victory over his opponent, a former mayor.
- Kristi Thibaut, District 133, Harris County. The incumbent lost in a close race to pro-conservation Kristi Thibaut in a real victory that can lead to cleaner air quality for Houston.
- Chris Turner, District 96, Tarrant County. Defeating a bad incumbent, former U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards’ staffer Chris Turner picked up this critical seat in the Fort Worth area. Chris joins a slate of pro-conservation officials from Tarrant County, including Reps Lon Burnam, Paula Pierson and newly elected Senator Wendy Davis.
The Speakers Race
One of the most important questions to be answered during the election remains unanswered: is there going to be a pro-conservation Speaker of the Texas House? Speaker Craddick’s anti-conservation practices are well known, and they have cost him dearly. His leadership of the House remains extremely tenuous, with, as of today, a razor-thin 76-74 Republican majority, with one key race so close there will likely be a recount, possibly resulting in a 75-75 tie.
The Texas Senate
The League’s Political Committee endorsed three leaders for the Texas Senate, only one of whom lost:
- Chris Bell, District 11. Former gubernatorial candidate Chris Bell garnered the most votes in this special election for this Gulf Coast district, but not enough to avoid a runoff. TLCV-PAC will be active in the runoff election in order to elect Chris Bell to the Senate.
- Wendy Davis, District 10. In a difficult race against an entrenched incumbent in Tarrant County, Wendy Davis pulled off a narrow victory. She will be a new conservation leader in the Senate.
- Regretfully, Joe Jaworski was unable to topple “Toxic Mike” Jackson for District 17 in Galveston.
Our Pro-Conservation Agenda for the Texas Legislature
As the Political Committee’s electoral efforts are wrapped up in the coming days, the League will shift our focus to preparing for the next session of the Texas Legislature, which begins in January. There, the League and our partner organizations will advance a common agenda for a cleaner future for Texas, including:
- Clean Air
- Clean Energy
- Clean Water
- Recycling
- Parks, Beaches and Open Space
- Wildlife Habitat
- Outdoor Recreation
All New Website!
The League ‘goes live’ with our new website today at http://www.tlcv.org/. The new website makes it easier for conservation voters to get informed, take action and make a difference for the Texas environment.
Conservation Voters Deserve Thanks
On behalf of the Texas League of Conservation Voters and our Political Committee, please accept our most sincere appreciation for all you’ve done in this urgent, important election. Stand with us now as we take our powerful agenda for Texas’ future to the Legislature in January. Together, we’re turning environmental values into real priorities for Texas’ future. Thank you.
Download a list of Election Results from TLCV-PAC races here:
Election%20Night%202008%20for%20Public.pdf
Labels: election results, website
Monday, November 03, 2008
Tarrant County: real choices for real change
- Rep. Lon Burnam, District 90
- Rep. Paula Pierson, District 93
- Chris Turner, District 96
- Rep. Dan Barrett, District 97
The Fort Worth paper and TLCV-PAC agree: clean air voters in Tarrant County should return Reps. Burnam, Pierson and Barrett to Austin and send Chris Turner instead of Rep. Zedler.
Labels: chris turner, dan barrett, lon burnam, paula pierson
- Joe Jaworski, Texas Senate District 11, rather than Sen. Mike Jackson
- Kristi Thibaut, Texas House District 133
- Joel Redmond, Texas House District 144
- Rep. Jessica Farrar, Texas House District 148
- Rep. Hubert Vo, Texas House District 149
Votes for these leaders will be a breath of fresh air for Houston.
Labels: hubert vo, jessica farrar, joe jaworski, joel redmond, kristi thibaut
- Robert Miklos against Mike Anderson (District 102, Mesquite)
- Carol Kent against Rep. Tony Goolsby (District 102, North Dallas, Richardson)
- Rep. Allen Vaught against Bill Keffer (District 107, East Dallas)
The TLCV-PAC has endorsed all three of these leaders for the Texas House. Rep. Vaught earned an A+ in our last scorecard. Pro-conservation Texans need his continued leadership in Austin. Carol Kent has been running an outstanding campaign against Rep. Goolsby, who makes promises about being for clean air and clean energy, but then votes against them almost every time. And Robert Miklos has a great chance for an open seat against Mike Anderson in Mesquite.
Folks in Dallas County are reminded to think about clean air, clean energy and clean water and then to cast a vote for a clean legislature in Austin tomorrow!
Labels: allen vaught, carol kent, robert miklos
Halloween Reminder...
Teaming with Wildlife Coalition: Fund Parks and Wildlife with All of the Sporting Goods Tax
The Texas coalition, which includes the League and groups such as Environmental Defense Fund, Audubon Texas, Victor Emanuel Nature Tours, Texas Conservation Alliance and The Nature Conservancy - Texas Chapter, has submitted a letter and testified before the Joint Committee on Use of the Sales Tax on Sporting Goods.
The sporting goods sales tax was always supposed to have funded Parks and Wildlife, but somehow only a portion of the tax revenue was ever allocated to the department, the rest remaining in the General Fund. It's time for Texas to devote the resources needed in order for our state parks to deliver the kind of positive economic impact Texas communities need. It's time for Parks and Wildlife to have the funds it needs to fulfill its mission. Texas is rapidly growing and losing parks and open space to development and other uses. It's time for Parks and Wildlife to have the support it needs. Texas state parks should be a point of pride for Texans, not a point of embarassment. And Texas kids need to get outdoors and into the wild landscapes more and more often. Only by fulling funding the parks deparment with all of the sporting goods tax can this be accomplished.
The Teaming with Wildlife Coalition will be doing all we can to help assure needed funding for our precious parks and for wildlife protection.
View the Teaming with Wildlife Coalition's letter to the Joint Committee here:
10-27-08%20Ltr%20to%20Joint%20Committee%20on%20Use%20of%20the%20Sales%20Tax%20on%20Sporting%20Goods.pdf
Labels: state parks, Teaming with Wildlife, TPWD
"Sen. Jeff Wentworth, a San Antonio Republican who chairs the [jurisprudence] committee, said he had second thoughts about the recommendations after hearing from a Senate colleague and business lobbyists who asserted that the committee had overreached."Why would you do this, Senator Wentworth? Could it be that you and the other Republican leaders of the committee decided to play politics rather than address one of Texas' biggest problems? Houston Mayor Bill White is agitating for cities to have the ability to do more to regulate emissions of pollutions. And Mayor White may have higher political ambitions for statewide office. If he succeeds in being able to control Houston's air quality more, then he may have a stronger platform for running for Texas governor or U.S. Senate. That prospect appears to have gotten Texas Senate Republicans in a tizzy, and may be why they're suddenly backing away from looking at air quality.
Where are the "Teddy Roosevelt Republicans" - the true conservationists who believe that an important part of being conservative is conserving our natural resources and protecting the environment? Don't the Senate Republicans understand that terrible air quality is going to drive business away from Texas, make children sick with asthma and other conditions, and result in lost federal transportation dollars because of violations of the Clean Air Act? Don't they care about the future of Texas?
The League would love to work with pro-conservation Republicans who are ready to take on the most pressing issues facing our state. The quiet vote of the Senate committee to back away from air quality recommendations doesn't demonstrate the kind of leadership Texans need from their government at this critical time.
On Election Day, Texans can change the makeup of the Texas Senate, and the League's political committee has endorsed three challengers who will stand up for clean air: Chris Bell, Wendy Davis and Joe Jaworski.
Labels: "Teddy Roosevelt Republicans", clean air, houston, Jeff Wentworth, Mayor Bill White, Texas Senate
It's toxic, and it's coming from the TV!
The message that Sen. Mike Jackson is toxic for Texas voters is catching on! Watch the TV commercial here.
For months, the League's "Toxic Mike" site has been the go-to place for information about Sen. Jackson's record - or lack thereof - on conservation issues like clean air and clean energy when it comes to representing the concerns of citizens in his district. Hurricane Ike also washed up information about Jackson's insurance company campaign contributors, like the commercial points out.
Election Day is Tuesday, and times have changed. Texans need new leadership for new times. "Toxic Mike" isn't going to build the clean energy economy for the future, and he isn't going to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that make hurricanes more powerful and more frequent.
Joe Jaworski is endorsed by the political committee of the Texas League of Conservation Voters because he's the clean air alternative to "Toxic Mike" Jackson. (and Friends of Joe Jaworski put out that "Toxic Mike" video).
The TV commercial and the website both show that "Toxic Mike" doesn't seem like the right choice for clean air, clean energy - or a clean legislature.
Labels: joe jaworski, mike jackson, Toxic mike
The League responded that Goolsby's voting record doesn't reflect much of a commitment to air quality or renewable energy. Indeed, Goolsby's average score for the past five sessions of the Texas Legislature on the League's scorecards is 24%. Last session, he voted with the environmental community 30% of the time, and he voted against 10 of 13 clean air/energy measures tracked by the League that session.
Thankfully, the news professionals at KERA decided it couldn't let Rep. Goolsby's statements remain unchallenged, and today KERA ran a new story talking about Goolsby's record, and including quotes from the League's director, James Canup.
To listen to and read a transcript of the radio news story, visit KERA online here.
Because Rep. Goolsby can't be counted on to fight for better air quality in the Metroplex (despite his promises to the contrary), the League's Political Committee has endorsed Goolsby's opponent, Carol Kent for his seat.
Carol Kent will be a true clean air leader for District 102 and for Texas.
Labels: clean air, clean energy future, tony goolsby
Joe Moody is the Clean Air Candidate for El Paso
Pat Haggerty's former seat in the Texas House. Rep. Haggerty (who stood with the League on some conservation issues, like parks funding) lost the Republican primary to a far-right challenger, Dee Margo, and that's who Moody faces in the general election. Margo is now even losing support from his fellow party members in the city, and Moody is well placed for a win on Election Day.
Labels: campaigns, endorsements, joe moody
Rep. Goolsby no friend of "fresh clean air"
“I know that we're working hard with the Texas air quality. And the new power plants that are being built, they're going to be adding on to nuclear, which helps the fresh clean air. The new coal plants, they're not going to be putting out as much of the carbon monoxide.”
Here's the press release.
Rep. Tony Goolsby No Friend of "Fresh Clean Air"
Incumbent Misstates Support for Clean Air Environmental Initiatives
Rep. Tony Goolsby may have misled voters and misstated his environmental record in an interview aired today on KERA Radio in Dallas-Fort Worth. In the interview, reporter Bill Brown states, “Goolsby defends his records, saying he's always…supported clean environmental initiatives, including alternative forms of energy like wind, solar and nuclear.”
"Rep. Goolsby’s record, in fact, does not indicate much support for clean air at all," said James Canup, Executive Director of the Texas League of Conservation Voters. “Looking just at the votes in the last legislative session in 2007, Rep. Goolsby voted against clean air and clean energy the vast majority of the time, earning a grade of F in the League’s 2007 Legislative Scorecard,” he added. Specifically, in 13 particular votes last session (detailed at the end of this release), Rep. Goolsby voted against clean air and clean energy 10 times (and in the remaining 3 votes, 2 were consensus measures that passed the House unanimously). Moreover, when you look at all of the votes with environmental impacts cast last session, Rep. Goolsby’s voting record is an abysmal 30%.
Going back to prior sessions of the legislature, Rep. Goolsby scored 23% in the 2005 session, 31% in the 2003 session, 4% in the 2001 session and 31% in the 1999 session, giving him an average score of 24% for the past five legislative sessions.
In the interview with KERA, Rep. Goolsby went on to say, “I know that we're working hard with the Texas air quality. And the new power plants that are being built, they're going to be adding on to nuclear, which helps the fresh clean air. The new coal plants, they're not going to be putting out as much of the carbon monoxide.”
This statement, though unclear, appears to indicate Rep. Goolsby’s support for improving Texas’ air quality. But his voting record says otherwise.
“Representative Goolsby may say he is for ‘fresh clean air,’ but his voting record is among the worst of any House member when it comes to supporting clean air legislation. The real clean air candidate for District 102 is Carol Kent,” said TLCV’s Canup. TLCV-PAC endorsed Carol Kent for District 102 over Rep. Goolsby.
The Texas League of Conservation Voters (TLCV) is the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization devoted to turning environmental values into priorities for Texas. Through its Political Committee, the League works to elect pro-conservation candidates to the Texas House and Senate. The Political Committee has endorsed a slate of pro-conservation candidates and incumbents for Texas who will vote for clean air, clean water and clean energy in Austin.
Read and listen to the KERA interview here.
View the TLCV 2007 Legislative Scorecard here.
###
The Votes
- Toxic School Bus Pollution. Would have protected children from exposure to dangerous chemicals by providing funds to clean up diesel emissions from Texas school buses. Rep. Goolsby voted AGAINST.
- Dirty Coal (I). Provided fast-tracking and tax breaks for coal-fired power plants. Rep. Goolsby voted FOR dirty coal plants.
- Dirty Coal (II). Improved emissions for approved coal-fired plants. Rep. Goolsby voted FOR dirty coal plants.
- Reducing Toxic Air Emissions. Amendments proposed to SB 12 that would have reduced toxic air emissions. Rep. Goolsby voted AGAINST reducing emissions.
- Tracking Pollution Levels. Would have installed more air quality monitors in Dallas area and other parts of Texas. Rep. Goolsby voted AGAINST monitoring air quality.
- Dirty Coal (III). The Senate/House conference committee bill for coal plants did not include enough protections for clean air. Rep. Goolsby voted FOR dirty coal plants.
- Cumulative impact of toxins on Texans’ health. Would have required TCEQ to consider the cumulative impacts of toxins and other pollutants before issuing air quality permits. Rep. Goolsby voted AGAINST stricter permitting requirements.
- Retrofit diesel trucks. Rep. Goolsby voted, along with every other House member, to increase the funding for retrofitting diesel engines.
- Clean Energy. Would have directed $60 million from Emerging Technology Fund to cutting edge renewable energy technologies. Rep. Goolsby voted AGAINST this clean, renewable energy proposal.
- Clean Energy. Would have required at least 15% of Emerging Technology Fund to be used for cutting edge renewable energy technologies. Rep. Goolsby voted AGAINST this clean, renewable energy proposal.
- Making Renewable Energy Count. Fixed a loophole limiting the growth of wind energy in Texas. Rep. Goolsby voted AGAINST this popular measure, with only 16 other House members.
- Energy Efficiency. Improved electric utility conservation programs building codes and energy saving efforts. Rep. Goolsby, along with every other House member, for improved efficiency programs.
- Tax Incentives for Nuclear Plants. Provided property tax breaks to build nuclear power plants. Rep. Goolsby voted FOR tax subsidies for nuclear plants.
Labels: clean air, tony goolsby
Champion of Conservation: Joel Redmond
Joel Redmond is a native of Pasadena, son of a popular Baptist minister and leader of his own ministry in Texas prisons and jails. He's also a candidate for Texas House District 144 (Southeast Harris County).Labels: endorsements, joel redmond, texxas house
Labels: endorsements, stephen frost, Texas House
Champion of Conservation: Carol Kent
Few candidates list any conservation issues among their issue priorities. A glowing exception is Carol Kent, running for District 102 in Richardson, Dallas County. Carol puts a top conservation issue right there on her list of priorities. Here it is:
Texas continues to have some of the dirtiest air in the nation and childhood asthma rates continue to rise. We need energy solutions that make sense for our citizens and our pocketbooks.
Here in North Texas, we struggle to meet minimum federal air quality standards. Clean air isn’t just important for our health, it’s important for business. Clean air helps our economy by allowing existing businesses to grow and new businesses to locate here. It helps our workers by keeping them healthy and attracting bright workers who want clean air for themselves and their families.
I suggest the development of public/private partnerships between our government and clean fuel producers to develop cleaner and more efficient means of energy production. The legislature should encourage the research and development in conjunction with our universities and research institutions.
These investments will make sure that Texans have a healthy environment and clean, affordable sources of energy at home for the long term. We can continue to grow and still be green.
Carol Kent has the right position on the right issue at the right time. She will be an outstanding advocate for the children of her district and for kids statewide who have a right to breathe clean air. That's why the Texas League of Conservation Voters Political Committee endorsed and is supporting her campaign to defeat Rep. Goolsby.
But don't just take our word for it. Carol Kent has also been endorsed by the Dallas Morning News, Texas State Teachers Association, SEIU and Annie's List, among others.
Labels: carol kent, endorsements, Texas House
Nonetheless, Dan Barrett is the conservation candidate for District 97 (Fort Worth/Tarrant County).
Rep. Barrett has been committed to improving the air quality in the Metroplex, to conserving precious water resources, to generating the renewable energy that creates jobs long before he ran for the state House. The League's Political Committee has backed Dan Barrett since the beginning, and we are proud to endorse and support his campaign for re-election.
In this race, and others across Texas, voter concerns about clean air and energy issues are raising the profile of pro-conservation candidates like Dan Barrett. With the League's help, Rep. Barrett will return to Austin this January as part of a conservation majority in the Texas House.
But don't just take our word for it. Rep. Barrett has received the endorsements of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Fort Worth Firefighters Association, and Texas Parent PAC, among others.
Labels: dan barrett, endorsements, Texas House
The TLCV-PC's endorsements were based on three main criteria:
- Endorse the re-election of every Texas House member who scored an A+ on the League's 2007 legislative scorecard.
- Endorse other pro-conservation incumbents who need our help because they are being challenged by anti-conservation candidates.
- Endorse pro-conservation challengers who have a chance to win with our help.
It should be noted that TLCV-PC has focused on the Texas House of Representatives. This is for two reasons. One, there is an opportunity to build a pro-conservation majority in the House. And two, given our limited resources, it was one battleground where our dollars and our involvement could make a difference. We did endorse three challengers for the Texas Senate - Chris Bell in District 17, Wendy Davis in District 10, and Joe Jaworski in District 11 - and we want them to be elected to the Senate. But we've focused on the House.
Here's a look at the endorsements, broken out by metropolitan area/region. Key races we're focused on include links to the candidates' web sites.
Greater Houston Region
- Rep. Alma Allen, 131
- Rep. Garnet F. Coleman, 147
- Rep. Jessica Farrar, 148.
- Rep. Ana Hernandez, 143
- Rep. Scott Hochberg, 137
- Sherrie Matula, 129.
- Virginia McDavid, 138
- Rep. Dora Olivo, 127
- Joel Redmond, 144
- Kristi Thibaut, 133
- Rep. Senfronia Thompson, 141
- Rep. Hubert Vo, 149
Dallas-Fort Worth Region
- Rep. Rafael Anchia, 103
- Rep. Dan Barrett, 97
- Rep. Lon Burnam, 90
- Rep. Yvonne Davis, 111
- Rep. Terri Hodge, 100
- Carol Kent, 102
- John McClelland, 64
- Robert Miklos, 101
- Rep. Paula Pierson, 93
- Chris Turner, 96
- Rep. Allen Vaught, 107
- Rep. Marc Veasey, 95
Austin-Central Texas Region
- Rep. Valinda Bolton
- Donnie Dippel, 17
- Rep. Donna Howard, 48
- Diana Maldonado, 52
- Rep. Elliott Naishtat, 49
- Rep. Eddie Rodriguez, 51
- Rep. Mark Strama, 50
San Antonio Region
- Rep. Joaquin Castro, 125
- Rep. Joe Farias, 118
- Rep. David McQuade Leibowitz, 117
- Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, 116
Rio Grande Valley
- Rep. Veronica Gonzales, 41
- Rep. Eddie Lucio III, 38
- Rep. Armando Martinez, 39
- Rep. Rene O. Oliveira, 37
Coastal Bend Region
- Rep. Juan Garcia, 32
- Rep. Abel Herrero, 34
- Rep. Solomon Ortiz Jr., 33
El Paso - West Texas Region
- Rep. Norma Chavez, 76
- Rep. Pete Gallego, 74
- Joe Moody, 78
Heart of Texas Region
- Rep. Jim Dunnam, 57
- Sam Murphey, 55
Laredo Region
- Rep. Richard Raymond, 42
East Texas
- Rep. Stephen Frost, 1
- Rep. Chuck Hopson, 11
The League's Political Committee hopes Texas voters will remember to vote for clean air, clean water and clean energy this election by building a clean legislature. If you live in a district where we've made an endorsement, please vote for the pro-conservation candidate. If you don't live in one of those districts, encourage your friends and relatives who do. And it's not quite too late to invest in these races - give what you can today to help elect a pro-conservation majority in the Texas House.
From the top of the ballot to the bottom, there are clear choices for conservation voters this election season. Get educated and vote in every single race where you can make a difference for Texas' environment.
Labels: endorsements, Texas House
New TLCV Mailer: "Thanks, Representative Vo!"
Texas League of Conservation Voters Political Committee has issued a mailing about our endorsement of the re-election of Rep. Hubert Vo for Houston's House District 149.Labels: hubert vo
"At this point, I'd say Dee Margo is going to win..."
The League has endorsed Joe Moody over Dee Margo to represent District 78. Joe Moody will stand up to big polluters while protecting jobs. He will fight in Austin for clean air, clean water and clean energy. He'll do what it takes to make sure the El Paso area gets its fair shake in the battles to fund our state parks and protect open space and habitat. Joe Moody earned and deserves the pro-conservation endorsement.
This seat used to be held by Rep. Pat Haggerty. Rep. Haggerty wasn't the worst friend of the Texas environment at the capitol (that title may be held by several others) - earning a grade of "D" on the League's 2007 scorecard. But Dee Margo would be a step further backwards. And Joe Moody representing District 78 would be a leader all Texas could be proud of.
There are a few ways that Moody can close the gap and win this election.
- Hope for a big win at the top of the ticket. The nonpartisan TLCV can't help but notice that a big win for the Obama-Biden ticket in El Paso could pull Moody into office. [TLCV has not endorsed any candidate for federal office, including president and vice president. The national League of Conservation Voters has.]
- Hope for crossover votes. Folks committed to McCain-Palin at the top of the ticket can still cross party lines to support other candidates - like Joe Moody - down ballot. Texans are independent and it's likely that lots of voters will vote a split ticket.
- Hope for high turnout. Early voting turnout across Texas is breaking records. Extremely high turnout in the district could surprise the pundits and predictors - and put Moody in the legislature.
- Keep campaigning. The Moody campaign isn't resting, and neither is TLCV. We're still doing more to help Joe Moody get elected as the pro-conservation candidate for District 78. Your dollars and volunteer support can help.
Likewise, there are four corresponding things El Pasoans can do to help elect Joe Moody.
- Vote.
- Vote.
- Vote.
- Give and volunteer. (You can do those two whether you're in El Paso or not.)
Here are the early voting locations in El Paso.
Labels: dee margo, early voting, el paso, joe moody
League Endorses Rep. Jessica Farrar
Rep. Farrar consistently earns high scores on the League’s biennial legislative scorecard. But beyond simply her vote, she stands up to anti-conservationists and speaks out bravely in favor of clean air, clean water and clean energy. One way Houstonians can effectively improve their air quality is to return Jessica Farrar to the Texas House on Election Day.
That's why the Texas League of Conservation Voters has endorsed Rep. Jessica Farrar's re-election. Learn more about Rep. Farrar's leadership online here.
Labels: endorsements, jessica farrar, Texas House
National League Releases Environmental Scorecard - Texas ranks near bottom of list
League of Conservation Voters Releases 2008 National Environmental Scorecard
Full Scorecard Available here.
WASHINGTON, D.C. –The League of Conservation Voters, which works to turn environmental values into national priorities, today released the 2008 National Environmental Scorecard. For 30 years, the non-partisan National Environmental Scorecard from LCV has been the nationally accepted yardstick used to rate Members of Congress on conservation and energy issues.
LCV President Gene Karpinski announced the release of LCV’s 2008 National Environmental Scorecard today, saying: “This scorecard reflects more clearly than perhaps ever before that America is truly at a crossroads when it comes to our energy future. In the face of gas prices that shot above four dollars a gallon, unrest around the world, and increasing global warming pollution, it could not be more obvious that we must reduce our dependence on oil, yet in 2008, Congress went in the wrong direction.”
Like too many in Congress, Texas’s representatives tended to favor continued dependence on oil and other dirty fossil fuels over renewable energy and energy efficiency. Although several representatives earned scores of 85 percent or higher, the majority of Texas’ delegation received scores of less than 50 percent, with almost half earning a flat out zero. While Texas’ senators and representatives had numerous opportunities to support clean energy, most of the delegation consistently sided with polluters over the interests of their constituents.
The average Texas Senate score was 18 percent, and the average Texas House score was 33 percent. For the full list of scores, see the bottom of this release.
"For generations, Texas has been our nation's energy leader. But in 2008, the Texas delegation led our state and nation the wrong way. Instead of providing leadership for Texas' future energy economy, our state's leaders - with rare exceptions - sided time and again with outmoded and polluting energy industries," said James Canup, Executive Director of Texas League of Conservation Voters. "Frankly, I'm tired of seeing my state ranked at or near the bottom of these lists, and I think most Texans are, too. When are our leaders going to stop listening to the big polluters that have made Texas' air quality among the worst in the nation, and start advancing common sense, renewable and clean solutions? This scorecard gives Texas voters the facts about how much our politicians really care about conserving our environment.”
The 2008 Scorecard includes 11 Senate and 13 House votes dominated by energy but also encompassing other environmental issues. This year, 67 House members and 27 senators earned a perfect 100 percent score, which is significantly higher than the 33 House members and 3 senators who earned a 100 percent in 2007. This year, 70 House members and 2 senators earned an appalling score of zero percent, compared with 48 House members and 9 senators in 2007. The average House score in 2008 was 56 percent, and the average Senate score was 57 percent, which is slightly higher than the 53 percent House and 52 percent Senate averages in 2007. California, Connecticut, Michigan, Montana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin all had perfect Senate averages of 100 percent, while Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and South Carolina’s senators averaged just 9 percent. In the House, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, and Maryland all averaged above 90 percent, while Montana and Wyoming were both below 10 percent.
“The 110th Congress began with great promise of bringing about a new energy economy, especially with the first increase in fuel economy of cars and light trucks in a generation,” said LCV Legislative Director Tiernan Sittenfeld. “The success of 2007 should have led to even more progress in 2008, but a vocal minority of Big Oil allies instead turned the year into a series of missed opportunities and major steps backward.”
While Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) fought for meaningful legislation to end our addiction to oil, reduce global warming pollution, and bring about a new energy economy, a vocal minority led by Minority Leaders Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and John Boehner (R-OH) used every trick in the book to help their allies in Big Oil and Big Coal. Though in the minority, these politicians not only defended billions of dollars in tax breaks and subsidies for the oil industry, they insisted on increasing offshore drilling, and created new handouts for dirty fuels like oil shale, tar sands, and liquid coal.
A focal point for the debate over our energy future was the Climate Security Act, a global warming bill advanced by Environment & Public Works Committee Chair Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Senators Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and John Warner (R-VA). LCV worked hard to strengthen and pass the Climate Security Act. After a debate cut short by Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) and other allies of Big Oil, 48 senators voted to move forward, and 6 senators who were absent issued statements indicating that they would have voted that way as well – bringing the total number of senators who supported taking action to address global warming to 54. While short of the 60 votes necessary to override a filibuster, it’s significant that a majority of senators went on the record in support of making progress to combat global warming.
After turning their back on the need to reduce global warming pollution, “Drill, baby, drill,” became the war cry of Republican leadership who – along with President Bush, Senator McCain, and Newt Gingrich - spearheaded the campaign to mislead Americans into believing that new offshore drilling would lead to lower gas prices. Despite the Department of Energy’s assessment that the negligible impacts on gas prices would not occur until 2030, the campaign succeeded in ending the moratorium on offshore drilling.
“As we prepare for a new Congress and a new Administration, it’s all too obvious that America is desperate for change,” Sittenfeld said. “The good news is that a new energy policy can bring about just the change we need. LCV is committed to working with the 111th Congress and the new Administration to take bold action. It’s time to increase our production of clean, renewable energy, cut our dependence on oil, and invest in a new energy economy.”
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Texas Delegation 2008 Scores:
- Sen. Cornyn - 18
- Sen. Hutchison - 18
- Rep. Gohmert - 8
- Rep. Poe - 0
- Rep. Johnson, S. - 8
- Rep. Hall, R. - 0
- Rep. Hensarling - 8
- Rep. Barton - 0
- Rep. Culberson - 0
- Rep. Brady, K. - 0
- Rep. Green, A. - 85
- Rep. McCaul - 8
- Rep. Conaway - 0
- Rep. Granger - 0
- Rep. Thornberry - 0
- Rep. Paul - 0
- Rep. Hinojosa - 85
- Rep. Reyes - 85
- Rep. Edwards, C. - 77
- Rep. Jackson Lee, S. - 77
- Rep. Neugebauer - 0
- Rep. Gonzalez - 85
- Rep. Smith, L. - 0
- Rep. Lampson - 23
- Rep. Rodriguez - 77
- Rep. Marchant - 0
- Rep. Doggett - 92
- Rep. Burgess - 0
- Rep. Ortiz - 77
- Rep. Cuellar - 77
- Rep. Green, G. - 85
- Rep. Johnson, E.B. - 92
- Rep. Carter - 0
- Rep. Sessions - 0
Labels: Congress, National, Scorecard
It is hard to vote when you're displaced by a hurricane
A number of candidates endorsed by the League are in districts impacted by the devastation of Hurricane Ike. Senate candidate Joe Jaworski, whom we've endorsed, lost his home in the storm (as did his opponent, Senator Mike Jackson, whom we oppose). Sherrie Matula's campaign, in district which includes Clearlake, has had to focus on relief efforts and hasn't had much of a district to campaign in. In the wake of a disaster like Ike, voting may be the last thing on people's minds.
But it shouldn't be. Decisions made by candidates elected this election will affect how well Texas recovers from Ike, and how well Texas will be prepared for future disasters. Decisions about climate change, which is happening and which makes hurricanes bigger and worse, will be made in the Texas legislature.
Texans statewide should support efforts to get out the vote in hurricane areas. And Texans from the Gulf Coast have more things to worry about on top of all the destruction - who's going to represent you in Austin, and what are they going to do for our state's future?
Texans not affected by Ike should be inspired by voters from the Gulf Coast. They will find their way to the polls on Election Day, or early vote, or absentee vote. On top of rebuilding their homes and businesses, they will cast a ballot to rebuild our state for the better. If those voters will make the effort at this difficult time, every Texan should.
Labels: hurricane ike; recovery; gulf coast, voter turnout
Jaworski earns Chronicle endorsement
Today, the Houston Chronicle followed our lead. The Chron wrote:
In a district that includes portions of hurricane-ravaged Galveston, constituents need a forceful and energetic senator to promote their interests in next year's legislative session. The Chronicle believes the right candidate for the job is Democratic challenger Joe Jaworski, an attorney and fourth-generation Texan from a prestigious line of litigators, including his grandfather, Watergate special prosecutor Leon Jaworski.
The candidate lives in Galveston with his wife and two children and has already compiled a record of distinctive public service there. Jaworski served three terms on Galveston City Council, the last as mayor pro tem. He chaired the city's ethics commission and promises to push ethics reforms with high standards for public officials in Austin....
Need we add that Jaworski will also be a strong vote for environmental conservation, clean air, and good stewardship of our environment in the Senate? And may we remind you that, if elected, Joe will replace Sen. Mike Jackson, who never met a good environmental bill he didn't hate?
It's time to clean up the Texas environment by cleaning Mike Jackson out of the Texas Senate, and Joe Jaworski is the man for the job.
Labels: endorsements, joe jaworski, mike jackson
We still don't know all about Ike
And Tom suggests that the reason officials don't want the world to see what Galveston really looks like post-Ike is because they're afraid it will impact the election. The local newspaper publisher is quoted as saying the efforts to keep eyes shut to Galveston is, "a desparate effort to avoid embarassment for the Republican administration in charge of FEMA." He goes on: "It is, after all, about six weeks from a presidential election. Nobody wants another Katrina this time." Indeed.
There are local elections going on, too, including an interesting one for state senate that pits incumbent Senator Mike Jackson against challenger Joe Jaworski (the League has endorsed Jaworski). Perhaps the candidates could debate and lay out their visions for hurricane recovery, even discuss how to minimize the damage from future storms? Not gonna happen. Jackson failed to show up for a debate yesterday. Apparently, the strategy - from FEMA on down to Mike Jackson - is to keep the cameras off, don't talk about it, close their eyes and keep their fingers crossed until Election Day.
I'm reminded of folks who chose to ignore the threat of Ike and stayed on the island. They, too, crossed fingers, closed their eyes and hoped for a minimal damage. No doubt some of them now regret their choice.
Labels: galveston, hurricane ike, joe jaworski, mike jackson
Thank you
The League is proud to acknowledge the generous Texans who are supporting our efforts to elect pro-conservation candidates to the Texas House and Senate:
Frances and Pete Schenkkan
Garrett and Cecilia Boone
Dan and Annette Carlozzi Bullock
Jeff Eller
David and Joan Hilgers
John Hirschi
Jim Marston and Annette Lovoi
Jack Martin
Melanie and Mark McAfee
David Newberger
Linda Aaker and Bob Armstrong
James Canup
Grayson Cecil
Laura and Ken Cho
Mary Decker
Catherine Mauzy
Colin Rowan
Babe and Marilyn Schwartz
Gerald Torres
Tom and Delane Weber
David Bamburger
Bob and Mary Cocke
Chris and Tish Elliott
John Foshee
Tom Fritz Fritz
Mary Kelly and Rick Lowerre
Ashley and Travis Phillips
Bob King
Colin Leyden
Beverly Reeves
David Todd
Bob and Jean Warneke
Robbie and Tom Ausley
Randie and Sam Canup
Harley and Patti Clark
Brian Donovan
Sally Drews
Meta Butler Hunt
Mary Beth Maher
Carrie McManus
Barbara Miller
Susan Rieff
Cynthia Riley
Nancy Wilson Scanlan
Chris Smith
Jill Turner
Mack Turner
Ira Jon Yates
The League is particularly grateful to Linda Aaker and Bob Armstrong, who hosted our fundraiser on October 7th. Special thanks to Representatives Valinda Bolton, Donna Howard and Mark Strama -- all with A+ records in the Texas House for voting for the environment -- who joined us at the party.
It's not too late to help the League elect pro-conservation candidates to the Texas House and Senate (and it's not too late to help us defeat anti-conservation candidates)!
Join the heroic Texans listed above by standing with the Texas League of Conservation Voters! Make your contribution right away.