Jason Altmire has supported numerous environmental measures since taking office in 2007, including the repeal of oil subsides to create a clean energy fund. In late 2007, Altmire voted in favor of H.R. 6, which raises the fuel efficiency standard for cars and trucks to 35 miles per gallon – the first increase in more than 30 years -and sets increased efficiency standards for buildings, homes, lights, and appliances. When fully implemented, it will save the average American family up to $1000 a year at the pump and reduce our nation’s oil consumption by 4 million barrels per day. Altmire has fought climate change by voting for a resolution endorsing mandatory limits on global warming pollution and in favor of a National Intelligence Estimate on the security implications of global warming.

Sam Bennett is a civil leader, community activist, and founder of a non-profit that supports the preservation of open space through the revitalization of communities. An expert in urban re-development, Bennett understands the benefits of conservation and is a strong advocate of transitioning sewage infrastructure to protect the streams and rivers of the Lehigh Valley.

John Boccieri, as a member of the Ohio State Senate, has sponsored legislation in Ohio that provides incentives for alternative fuel refineries and supports federal legislation to require that at least 20 percent of the nation’s electricity come from clean, renewable sources by 2020. Boccieri has been endorsed multiple times by the Ohio LCV and received the Conservation Legislator of the Year award from the League of Ohio Sportsmen and the National Wildlife Federation for outstanding contributions in natural resource management. His average Ohio LCV Score from 2004-2006 was an impressive 85%.

Boyda has a strong LCV Lifetime Score of 70%, she has voted to move America towards a sustainable future by supporting efforts to increase vehicle efficiency standards to 35 mpg by 2020, require utilities to produce 15% of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2020, and remove billions of tax breaks to Big Oil companies and divert that money to clean, renewable energy.

An environmental champion from the beginning, Connolly was the first candidate for Chairman in County history to have a comprehensive environmental agenda. Once elected as Chairperson of the Fairfax County Council, Connolly received the region’s highest award for leadership from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments for his work promoting telecommuting throughout the Metropolitan Washington Region. He also received an environmental achievement award from the Hunter Mill Defense League and has been recognized by Fairfax Trails and Streams for his role as “father” of the popular 40-mile-long Cross-Country Trail. In addition to local issues, Connolly has lead the nation in combating global warming on a grass-roots scale by creating the “Cool Counties” initiative, which was designed to help counties achieve 80% reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Serving as County Commissioner since 2000 and Board President in 2005 and 2007, Mary Jo Kilroy has helped Franklin County earn a reputation for good management and forward thinking environmental protection and sustainability policies. Kilroy has worked with local companies to improve energy efficiency and to urge county contractors and residents to follow a set of environmentally friendly practices.

LCV is proud to endorse a candidate eager to find solutions to environmental issues both on the local and national scale. With an acute legal mind and hands-on international experience, Madia will bring to Washington skills and commitment that will greatly aid our nation’s fight to create a new, clean energy future. Clean energy will be a part of the solution, creating millions of jobs across the country and ending our dependence on oil, and Madia will usher in the era of clean energy.

Betsy Markey believes that we must prioritize and support alternative energy development in order to strengthen our economy, create jobs, create energy independence and protect our planet. While working with Senator Ken Salazar, Markey worked tirelessly in support of alternative energy solutions, as well as for clean air and water protections. She believes that Colorado is poised to lead the effort for a clean energy future by developing the state’s wind, solar and agricultural energy sources.

Eric Massa, a retired Navy Commander who graduated from the United States Naval Academy spent 24 years as an active duty naval officer. Energy and the environment are imperative issues in his platform and he believes strongly in diversifying American energy sources through an investment in renewable technology. Massa understands the enormous impact of climate change and supports legislation that would raise CAFÉ standards and reduce global warming pollution 15-20% by 2020, and 80% by 2050.

Walt Minnick’s record demonstrates a solid commitment to Idaho’s citizens, economy, and to the state’s long tradition of conservation. As a businessman, he spent 21 years as an executive in the Idaho forest products industry, 16 of which were spent leading one of the state’s largest Idaho-headquartered public companies. But as an executive in the forest products industry, he served on the board of several conservation groups, and was known for reaching out in a search for middle ground solutions. In fact, he has advised and mentored past executive directors of the Idaho Conservation League, a group now known for Minnick’s philosophy of working on bipartisan solutions.

Harry Mitchell earned a perfect 100% on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard in his first session, making him one of the environmental movement’s greatest allies in congress. As a freshman Representative, Mitchell supported numerous environmental initiatives, voting to increase vehicle efficiency standards, to require utilities to produce 15% of their electricity from renewable sources, and to remove billions in tax breaks to Big Oil companies. Always fighting for the people of Arizona, Mitchell has stood up to special interests in his state and supported reforming the 1872 Mining Law by voting for legislation that would hold mining companies accountable for their pollution and establish a fund to clean up abandoned mines

Chris Murphy has earned himself a 100% score on LCV’s 2007 National Environmental Scorecard, an unsurprising number given his record in the state legislature. As a member of the Environmental Committee he wrote and passed legislation that would protect our pristine reservoirs from development and co-sponsored a measure that gave Connecticut one of the strictest auto emission standards in the nation. In the US Congress he supported bills that increase fleet-wide fuel economy standards to 35 miles per gallon by 2020, and that institute a renewable electricity standard of 15% on utilities by 2020. Murphy has also voted to repeal billions in tax breaks to Big Oil, and has co-sponsored a number of bills, including the Climate Act (HR 1590), which was designed to reduce America’s global warming pollution 80% by 2050.

Tim Walz earned an 85% on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard in his first year in congress, taking a strong stance against Big Oil, supporting several measures that limit federal price gouging and suspend purchases for America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve. In addition to fighting Big Oil, Walz cosponsored several key bills that have promoted the clean energy debate, including the Fuel Economy Reform Act, the Safe Climate Act, and the Udall-Platts bill, which requires that 20% of America’s energy come from clean, renewable sources by 2020.

As mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, Kay Barnes has supported renewable energy projects that created jobs in Northwest Missouri, such as the Ford hybrid plant and wind farms. As a U.S. Representative, she will support legislation that would require that at least 20% of the nation’s electricity come from clean, renewable sources, like wind and solar. She will also support legislation that would eliminate billions of dollars in tax breaks to wealthy oil companies and instead put that money into developing clean, renewable energy for the future. Her opponent, incumbent Rep. Graves voted in favor of the environment only one time out of 20 House votes tracked by LCV in 2007, earning an abysmal 5% score on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard.

Alaska’s hotly contested senate race is still up for grabs, as the number of uncounted ballots since the Nov. 4 election have now doubled, state election officials say.
Democratic challenger Mark Begich is trailing Republican incumbent Ted Stevens by 3,257 votes and needs money to pay for counting the more than 81,000 ballots that remain uncounted in the contest.
New giving limits now apply, so give and give again to send Begich to the Senate where he will continue an open dialog with the conservation community and be a true leader on the issue of climate change.

Charlie Brown served in the US Air Force for over 23 years flying both rescue helicopters and airplanes and then returned to civilian life and continued his public service as a Roseville police officer. Brown’s commitment to public service continues today. In 2006, even thought he was vastly outspent by the incumbent, Charlie Brown came within 3 points of defeating one of California’s most anti-environmental members of congress, John Doolittle. Doolittle has since decided not to seek re-election amidst a cloud of corruption and scandal. And learning lessons from 2006, Brown has come back in 2008 with a strong campaign effort with an aggressive field campaign and strong fundraising to get his message out to this rugged and mostly undeveloped district covering most of Northeastern California. In this open seat effort Brown is challenging carpet bagging Republican candidate State Senator Tom McClintock who is known for his tight fists and anti-environmental votes in the California State Senate. Brown brings common sense, environmental compassion, and much needed new leadership to this corner of California.

Mike Castle has been a strong supporter of energy conservation and investment in alternative energy sources. He has opposed the Bush Administration plan to drill in the Arctic Refuge, open up old growth forests to new roads and harvesting, and the forest management schemes that jeopardize the integrity of these ecosystems while serving special corporate interests. He has also worked aggressively to improve water quality, particularly along coastal areas and beaches, by supporting improved waste-water treatment facilities, water quality measurement and beach replenishment.

In 2007, Collins received a perfect 100% score on LCV’s 2007 National Environmental Scorecard, the only Republican Senator to do so. In 2008, she consistently supported conservation and clean energy and again scored a 100%. In the upcoming Congress, she proposes to do more to increase funding to programs that help consumers conserve energy and lower heating and utility costs. She will support extending existing tax credits for alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles, repeal billions of dollars in excessive tax breaks for major oil companies and redirect the money to support renewable energy and efficiency initiatives.

Debbie Cook brings a decades long commitment to environmental activism and a history of success in rallying her Orange County neighbors to protect their coast and remaining wild places. Cook led her neighbors to stop overdevelopment along the shores of Huntington Beach and stopped a proposal to turn the local pier into a retail shopping center. She then founded Save Our Parks and Beaches that help pass local Measure C that permanently halted inappropriate development along the coast. Subsequently, she became an instrumental leader in saving Bolsa Chica from grotesque overdevelopment and guided local efforts to aide in the successful restoration of Bolsa Chica as a healthy functioning coastal marsh. An attorney, Cook participated in the successful lawsuit against the Coastal Commission’s approval of thousands of homes scheduled to be built in and around the wetlands. Cook was elected to the Huntington Beach City Council in 2000 and was resoundingly re-elected in 2004. On the council, Cook led the fight to stop a proposed coastal desalination plant and became an expert on and advocate for reclaimed water. She also succeeded in stopping Orange County from dumping partially treated sewage water into the ocean, which ultimately led to Orange County building the largest reclaimed water facility in California. With such an impressive background, it’s no wonder she has the full backing of the environmental community.

Representative Joe Courtney, running for re-election after his first term serving Connecticut’s 2nd Congressional District, earned a score of 95% in LCV’s 2007 scorecard. He has cosponsored legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and place greater emphasis on energy efficiency and he has introduced a bill along with Chris Dodd to preserve the Quinebaug and Shetucket River Valleys. He also coauthored an amendment to delay the environmentally harmful Broadwater Energy Project.

Recognizing that giving oil companies a free hand to drill in our most pristine areas will have no immediate effect on high gas prices, Steve Driehaus proposes solutions that will actually help Ohio families. They support increased fuel efficiency and investment in alternative energy sources. Driehaus has already helped to pass a comprehensive energy bill in Ohio that requires investment in renewable energy and creates jobs.

Donna Edwards has a long record of leadership on environmental issues on both the community and national levels. She founded The Campaign to Reinvest in the Heart of Oxon Hill, a grassroots organization that works to tie key issues in largely African American neighborhoods to conservation issues. She has been a champion of public transportation and smart growth in Maryland. Edwards has also worked to protect the Potomac River shoreline. She served on the Boards of the League of Conservation Voters, the League of Conservation Voters Education Fund and the Maryland Conservation Voters.

Representative Vern Ehlers earned a 70% rating on the LCV Scorecard in 2007. As the lead Republican co-sponsor of the Clean Water Restoration Act, Ehlers fought to prevent pollution and invasive species from contaminating the Great Lakes. He recognizes the threat of global warming and has voted to expand the use of wind, solar, biomass, and hydro power.

In Minnesota, the Senate race is still too close to call. Al Franken needs your help.
Republican Sen. Norm Coleman leads Franken in unofficial returns by 438 votes out of nearly 2.9 million cast. That’s well within the margin that triggers an automatic recount.
Candidates have to pay for a recount, so can give and give again to help Franken get to the finish line. New giving limits now apply.
Franken has been a strong voice for the American people, using wit and wisdom to call our attention to our country’s most important challenges. As gas prices rise and global warming threatens our way of life, Washington has never been in greater need of his leadership.

Joe Garcia been a leader of Cuban-American and immigrant rights, and has served as Chairman of the Florida Public Service Commission and currently chairs the Miami-Dade Democratic Party. As a popular leader in South Florida, he supports helping local farms in his district and believes in creating incentives for sustainable and organic practices. Garcia also recently called out his opponent, Rep. Diaz-Balart, for flip-flopping on protecting the Everglades, after he said John McCain was “right” to reject efforts even though Diaz-Balart voted in favor of legislation to protect the Everglades three times.

With a 100% lifetime score from the Arizona League of Conservation Voters (AZLCV) as a state legislator and state senator from 2001 to 2005, Gabrielle Giffords earned repeated endorsements from the AZLCV and regularly appeared on AZLCV’s Honor Roll of the best conservation legislators in the state. She consistently voted for clean air, clean water, and expanding Arizona’s economy through expansion of solar energy.

As a State Senator, Hagan proved her commitment to a new energy future, earning an average score of 85% from the Conservation Council of North Carolina from 2003 to 2007. She was a strong supporter of legislation to increase the use of solar energy and to require North Carolina utilities to produce 12.5% of their electricity through renewable sources by 2021.
State Senator Hagan’s plan for America’s energy future will create as many as 300,000 new jobs in North Carolina, while increasing demand from the state’s agricultural sector for new biofuels. It calls for significant reductions in the greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming. As a U.S. Senator, she will fight for increased fuel efficiency and will put an end to federal handouts to the big oil companies that are bleeding North Carolina dry.

State Senate Majority Leader Debbie Defrancesco Halvorson has demonstrated leadership on environmental issues in the Illinois state legislature and she earned a 100% from IL LCV in 2007. She has sponsored and helped to pass energy legislation that utilizes environmentally friendly, Illinois-based resources.

Councilman Martin Heinrich seeks to replace long-time enemy of the environment, Representative Heather Wilson, as New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District’s U.S. Representative. His commitment to the environment extends beyond council votes into his own lifestyle as he has fought to bring back curbside recycling, helped to build a solar car, and powered his home with renewable energy. In Washington, Heinrich has pledged to help create an Apollo Program for energy independence through development of wind and solar energy as well as Support legislation that achieves 15 to 20% reductions in global warming pollution by 2020 and reductions of 80% by 2050.

Rep. Johnson has a lifetime LCV score of 67% and in 2007 scored an impressive 75%. He has crossed party lines in order to work with both sides of the aisle to accomplish clean energy and conservation initiatives. Johnson has been a consistent advocate of National Park protection and opposes opening up our natural treasures to unnecessary logging and other detrimental activities. He has supported numerous clean energy measures including a repeal of the oil subsidies to create a clean energy fund, a renewable electricity standard, and an increase in fuel economy to 35 miles per gallon by 2018. Johnson also voted for a resolution endorsing mandatory limits on global warming pollution and in favor of a National Intelligence Estimate on the security implications of global warming.

In Rep. Kagen’s first years in Congress, he has established himself as a true champion of clean energy and conservation, earning himself a 90% lifetime LCV Score, one of the highest in Congress. He has co-sponsored bills that increase fleet wide fuel economy standards to 35 miles per gallon by 2020, establish a renewable electricity standard of 15% on utilities by 2020, and reduce global warming pollution 80% by 2050. Kagen also cosponsored the Clean Water Restoration Act, which would close loopholes for industrial polluters to dump in America’s waterways and voted to repeal tax break to Big Oil.

Rep. Kirk earned an impressive 82% LCV score in the 110th Congress. Throughout his years in Congress, Mark Kirk has established himself as a leader on clean energy and environmental protection. In June, he introduced legislation to create permanent tax credits for renewable energy companies as well as energy efficient buildings and appliances, increase funding for public transportation, and make hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles more affordable.
Kirk has also been a stalwart defender of clean water and the Great Lakes. As the author of the Great Lakes Water Protection Act and other measures to protect the water of Lake Michigan, he has proven himself an important ally of the health and safety of the people of Illinois. Unlike so many in Washington, Kirk has stood up to the power of the big oil companies, authoring bills that would have severely penalized oil refiners that increased pollution in the Great Lakes. In addition, he was an important cosponsor of the Clean Water Restoration Act, a vital tool for protecting our water supply from polluters.

Ann Kirkpatrick earned a 100% from the Arizona League of Conservation Voters for her pro-environment voting record in 2007. In 2006 and 2005 she scored 94% and 93%, respectively. She has committed herself to defending Arizona’s natural heritage, keeping our air and water clean, and making Arizona a leader in solar energy. In the Arizona House of Representatives, Kirkpatrick voted to increase energy efficiency in schools, to protect Arizona’s drinking water, and cosponsored a bill to ensure the right of families to use Arizona’s sunshine to reduce their energy costs.

As a candidate for the U.S. House, Larry Kissell has promised to support legislation to reduce global warming pollution 15 to 20% by 2020 and 80% by 2050. He also supports legislation requiring that at least 20% of the nation’s electricity come from clean and renewable sources by 2020. His opponent, incumbent Rep. Robin consistently votes against the environment leading to a LCV lifetime score of 8%. In 2007, Rep. Hayes voted to preserve billions of dollars in tax breaks for Big Oil, and voted against requiring more of the nation’s electricity to come from clean, renewable sources. Rep. Hayes also voted against making cars go farther on a gallon of gas, and he voted against efforts to strengthen the Clean Water Act.

Frank Kratovil proposes a comprehensive solution to the energy crisis, including initiatives to increase fuel efficiency, expand offshore drilling in previously leased lands, and to promote new, clean energy sources that will end America’s addiction to oil and create jobs. He supports ending the loopholes that allow for unchecked speculation in the energy futures market and artificially increased oil prices. Kratovil plans to protect the Chesapeake Bay and Maryland’s natural resources.

As an environmental lawyer and the first woman partner of the largest firm in Buffalo, NY, Alice Kryzan’s reputation grew for 30 years as an honest, strong advocate of towns, businesses and everyday people. “Improve our economy and protect our environment,” is her mantra. Her goal is to transform Western New York into a center for “green-collar” jobs by encouraging the growth of the alternative energy industry in the region. She also plans to promote eco-tourism, both for the economic benefits and to advance wilderness preservation. As a representative from the 26th District, Kryzan would represent all or parts of Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming counties.

Senator Frank Lautenberg, a Democrat running for re-election in New Jersey, is an environmental champion with the second highest LCV lifetime score in the U.S. Senate – a score of 96%. In the senate, Lautenberg has worked hard to ban offshore drilling by oil and gas interests and has been a long time supporter of incentives for renewable energy sources.

Representative Frank LoBiondo earned an impressive 90% score in LCV’s Scorecard for 2007. He has a lifetime LCV score of 74% and is one of the most consistently pro-conservation Republicans in the U.S. House. In 2007, Rep. LoBiondo co-sponsored four key environmental bills. He also introduced legislation to permanently ban oil and gas drilling off of the New Jersey coast.

Ben Lujan’s experience with renewable energy and proven commitment to the environment make him the best choice for the voters of Northern New Mexico. Washington needs tough, vital leaders like Lujan to fight for the clean, renewable energy that will power this country in the future and put an end to global warming. His supreme track record taking on the powerful special interests on global warming and renewable energy and has always worked to protect New Mexico.

Mike Lumpkin is a retired naval officer who served most of his career in the Navy Seals. While serving, Lumpkin paid careful attention to run environmentally-sound operations and was a stickler for environmental compliance. Outside of his military career, he has extensive experience in Washington shepherding legislation through Congress and has established extensive ties to sitting members. Lumpkin was direct and thoughtful in his answers and displayed an understanding of and commitment to empiricism indicating that he would let scientific data drive decision-making. During his interview, LCV and CLCV were most impressed by how articulate and passionate he was about dealing with the challenge of global warming. Additionally, Lumpkin is clearly committed to keeping California at the forefront of the environmental movement by removing federal impediments to such leadership. Lumpkin is smart, sincere, and dedicated to the environmental cause.

Maffei will take to Congress the personal energy and a plan to jumpstart our economy that commits to energy independence, public transportation and a clean environment. He would end the tax breaks that reward companies for moving jobs overseas, support local small businesses, and grow high-tech jobs in alternative energy and healthcare. Dan has spent his lifetime creating solutions for the people of New York, whether as staff member for elected officials such as Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, as a reporter for the local media to see people’s challenges first-hand, or as a community volunteer. Dan’s roots in Upstate New York go back four generations, and he believes in the power of progress for the entire region. New York’s 25th district includes all or parts of Onondaga, Wayne, Cayuga, and Monroe counties.

Election day didn’t decide the Georgia Senate race: Jim Martin is facing a a run-off election on December 2 and he needs your help to get to the finish line.
With 99 percent of precincts reporting in Georgia, neither Martin nor his opponent Saxby Chambliss accumulated enough ballots to pull above the needed 50 percent plus one of the vote.
New giving limits now apply, so give and give again to help Martin lead the fight for new sources of energy that will protect our planet, end our dependence on oil, and create millions of jobs.

Mike McMahon has unrivalled credentials in smart transportation, natural area preservation, recycling and environmental justice. McMahon has played a pivotal role in virtually every major piece of environmental legislation in New York City since being elected to the City Council in 2001. He has worked to make sure the Fresh Kills landfill remains closed and is converted it into a 2,200-acre park. He has introduced and passed laws expanding recycling for batteries, plastic bags and electronic waste, among many other accomplishments. Electing Mike McMahon would add a potent advocate to the U.S. Congress on behalf of the environment and families in Brooklyn, Staten Island, and across the nation.

In 2006, Jerry McNerney defeated X-term incumbent Richard Pombo, one of the most notoriously anti-environment members of Congress at the time. During his first term in office, Rep. McNerney has made clean energy one his signature issues. He now faces a tough re-election contest from against a candidate who is backed heavily by former Rep. Pombo.

Speaker Merkley has a plan for energy independence and conservation which meets the targets set by top scientists and proposes significant federal investment in renewable energy, reduction in carbon emissions, incentives to reduce climate change and research and development into conservation, clean energy and carbon capture and storage.

Speaker Merkley has a plan for energy independence and conservation which meets the targets set by top scientists and proposes significant federal investment in renewable energy, reduction in carbon emissions, incentives to reduce climate change and research and development into conservation, clean energy and carbon capture and storage.

Senator Barack Obama understands the threat of global warming is real and and his policies demonstrate science-based solutions. His comprehensive plan to address global warming and our energy challenges includes a mandatory cap-and-trade program to cut greenhouse gas emissions and increases in the use of clean, renewable energy sources. As President, he plans to create 5 million new clean energy jobs and support investment in renewables, fuel economy and energy efficiency. He has demonstrated consistent, sincere environmental leadership and support during his career; As a state senator in Illinois, Sen. Obama earned a 100% Environmental Voting Record Award from the Illinois Environmental Council in 2003. In the United States Senate, Sen. Obama has continued his commitment to the environment with an LCV lifetime score of 86% . He made pro-environment votes on 12 key oil measures from 2005-2007, proving his support for renewable energy. He is willing to stand up to pressure from Big Oil – he consistently has opposed offshore drilling and tax breaks for oil companies – and wants to help curb America’s oil addiction. After eight years of an environmentally destructive and oil-friendly administration, Sen. Barack Obama is new hope for new energy.

Gary Peters understands the importance of developing clean energy technologies that protect the environment and create “green jobs.” As a state senator he authored a bill banning drilling for oil and gas under Great Lakes. The incumbent, Rep. Joe Knollenberg, has a LCV lifetime score of 8% and has been named to LCV’s Dirty Dozen.

Carol Shea-Porter earned an impressive 90% score on the 2007 LCV Scorecard. This year, she was an important cosponsor of the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008. This act would have protected vital tax credits that encourage the development of wind, solar and other clean energy sources while creating thousands of jobs. In 2007, she voted to reduce taxpayer handouts to the oil industry and to shift government subsidies from oil to renewable energy sources.

Andrew Rice has challenged Senator James Inhofe, infamous member of the LCV Dirty Dozen and frequent friend to Big Oil. Inhofe is the Senate’s leading opponent of clean energy technologies and voted against tax credits to help renewable energy companies like Berger Wind Power Co. succeed. Having accepted more than $999,000 from the oil and gas industry, Inhofe voted for billions in taxpayer subsidies to the oil industry. Inhofe has repeatedly voted against laws to make our cars and trucks get better fuel mileage, which will cost the average family thousands of dollars over the next few years.

State Senator Mark Schauer has shown great environmental leadership in Michigan. He sponsored State Senate Bill 724 to protect the Great Lakes from drilling, withdrawals and unregulated siphoning. In Schauer’s past two terms as State Senator he has earned scores of 100% from the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. His opponent, first-term incumbent Representative Walberg, opposed every major clean energy reform in Congress last year, earning a 5% score for 2007 from the National LCV. Rep. Walberg voted against repealing tax breaks to Big Oil, protecting Michigan’s coastlines from unnecessary drilling, and conserving the state’s water and air quality in 2007.

As a farmer, veterinarian and small businessman, Kurt Schrader has been a community leader for 20 years. In the state legislature, he worked to find a balance that protects Oregon’s scenic heritage, vital natural resources and agricultural economy.
He has served as point person in the Oregon legislature for open space and parkland acquisition and was a key author of an Oregon ballot measure that amended disastrous land use policies and protects Oregon’s natural beauty.
In Washington, Schrader will work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, invest in renewable energies such as wind and solar to create jobs in rural Oregon and stop global warming.

As governor of New Hampshire from 1997-2003, Jeanne Shaheen worked with members of both parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. She has said that “reversing global warming and becoming energy independent are not just our most urgent environmental challenges, they are among the most urgent of all our national and international challenges.” The incumbent, Sen. John Sununu, has a LCV lifetime score of 35%. At various times the available polling has shown both candidates with leads.

Congressman Shays reintroduced the Energy for Our Future Act with Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), which would set high fuel efficiency standards to save consumers money at the pump, increase funding for renewable energy sources and cut hand outs to oil companies. As a cosponsor of the Safe Climate Act of 2007, he has been central to bipartisan efforts to minimize the effects of global warming.

Michael Skelly is an energy expert who led the development of the nation’s third largest wind energy company; which by the end of this year alone will generate enough electricity to power nearly one million American homes and has created hundreds of Texas jobs. He is a member of Houston Mayor White’s Green Building Advisory Committee and has served as a member of the board of the American Wind Energy Association. Skelly has vast experience in cooperative collaboration and has worked in dozens of states to increase the American-produced energy that powers homes.
Air pollution in the 7th district has put a strain on the area in terms of economic growth and public health and Skelly has made addressing the severe problem of air quality in Houston an important objective.

Representative Chris Smith’s lifetime LCV score of 73% ranks him among the best Republicans in Congress on environmental issues. He has led efforts to protect New Jersey’s beaches and to clean up toxic waste sites in New Jersey and throughout the country. Recognizing the international nature of the challenge of climate change, he has co-sponsored legislation to increase U.S. involvement in world-wide efforts to deal with global warming.

As state Senate Minority Leader, Dina Titus led the charge to develop solar and wind energy in Nevada and drove legislation to require green power standards for utility companies. In 2007, Titus was honored with the Nevada Renewable Energy Leadership Award. She strongly supported legislation that established a target of generating 20% of the state’s electricity from renewable sources by 2015. She also led the effort to protect Red Rock Canyon from development.

As Congressman, Paul Tonko will be a leader in creating a national energy plan that will serve his district and Americans alike. He is among the nation’s leading advocates for clean, affordable energy, and a prosperous New York. From 1992 to 2007, Tonko was chairman of the State Assembly’s Energy Committee, where he authored landmark legislation to prioritize clean power plants and replace older, polluting ones. From June 2007 to April 2008, he was CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, which promotes and researches new energy sources. He was also a member of the governor’s Renewable Energy Task Force, which called for increasing New York’s supply of renewable energy, creating “green-collar” jobs and attracting clean-tech businesses. Tonko would represent all or parts of Albany, Fulton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady and Schoharie counties.

Rep. Mark Udall has been a leader on clean energy issues since serving the Colorado State House. In Congress, he serves as co-chair of the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, and his 99% LCV lifetime score puts him among the highest scoring members of Congress. Rep. Udall’s opponent, former Rep. Bob Schaffer, has been named to LCV’s Dirty Dozen and has a LCV lifetime score of 5%. All available polling shows that this race is extremel