Bethel Legislators Mostly Pass Environmental Scrutiny

Bethel's politicians voted in favor of the environment more often than in previous sessions, according to one advocacy group.

The environmental scorecard issued by the Connecticut Leage of Conservation Voters for the 2012 legislative session shows improvements throughout the state. 

To rank the legislators, the League tracked the outcome of 21 bills during the 2012 legislative session. Eight were deemed hostile to the environment, and 13 were favorable. The lawmakers were assigned points if they voted for what the League deemed as pro-environment.

According to the League, environmental priorities, which had trended downward in 2010 and 2011, changed course in 2012. The average score for all legislators in 2011 was 76 percent versus the average score of 91 percent for 2012.  This year 53 more legislators earned 80 percent or higher than they did in 2011. 

“Constituents expect their elected leaders to protect clean air, clean water and open spaces,” said Lori Brown, executive director of the CTLCV.  The poor scores legislators earned last year voting against environment really hit home.  This year, lawmakers were more receptive to environmental concerns and more cautious in opposition.”

The full report is attached to this article and can also be found on the CTLCV website.