Rep. Lesser Honored as Environmental Champion for Fifth Time

Middletown's state Rep. Matthew Lesser was among 11 legislators who received top marks from The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters' 2013 Environmental Scorecard.

By sharing how each member of the Legislature voted on 20 of the most critical conservation bills this year, CTLCV helps Connecticut voters better understand where their legislators stand when it comes to protecting the environment.

"We were thrilled to see increased funding for our clean water programs and open space protection," said Lori Brown, CTLCV Executive Director. "But we had tough losses on the bills that really would have made a difference when it comes to clean energy and toxics."

The sheer number of  bills that were voted on this year reflects how deeply environmental issues are ingrained in every aspect of Connecticut's well-being, from public health and safety to the economy and growing jobs.

"I'm honored to receive this award. I will continue my work to protect Connecticut's commitment to renewable energy and do more to protect Connecticut families from toxic fracking waste," said Lesser.

"Even as other important issues confront our communities, the need to protect the state's drinking water, the state's clean air, and our open spaces is paramount.  Our economy cannot grow and our families are not safe if our legislators fail to grasp this point," said CTLCV Co-Chairman Ken Bernhard.

The 2013 CTLCV Legislative Champions are:

Sen. Donald E. Williams (D-29), Sen. John McKinney (R-28), Rep. James Albis (D-99), Rep. Timothy Bowles (D-42), Rep. Andrew Fleischman (D-18), Rep. Matthew Lesser (D-100), Rep. Philip Miller (D-36), Rep. Arthur O'Neill (R-69), Rep. Roberta Willis (D-64), Rep. Gail Lavielle (R-143), Rep. Diana Urban (D-43) 

"Almost all legislators present themselves as supporters of clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. The Scorecard helps the public to see whether legislators actually support these causes with their votes.  A scorecard is not a perfect measure, but it's a very useful indicator.  

"If a legislator scores at the bottom of the pack year in and year out, he or she is not protecting the state's natural resources," said Margaret Miner, CTLCV Board member and Scorecard Committee Chair. 

The League will be presenting legislators with information on key issues that will be monitored and scored during the upcoming 2014 legislative session.  The next Environmental Scorecard will be released in advance of the statewide elections to help inform the electorate about their legislator's positions on important environmental issues.   

Lesser has received his fifth consecutive perfect score, continuing his perfect lifetime score, on environmental issues in Connecticut. He is one of only two veteran state representatives who have maintained a perfect score.