Hartford, CT – The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters has announced that state Senator Andrew Roraback, R-Goshen, has completed the 2007 legislative session with a 100% voting record on environmental issues. Senator Roraback is one of only two (out of 36) Senators to have achieved a perfect score, and one of only six (out of 187) members of the Connecticut General Assembly to earn this distinction.
As a state lawmaker representing 15 communities in northwest Connecticut , Senator Roraback had the opportunity to vote on 14 Environmental Scorecard bills this past legislative session and earned a 100% rating for voting the pro-environment position on all of those bills.
The Scorecard is produced annually to highlight legislators’ positions on a broad range of important environmental concerns facing Connecticut ’s elected leaders. This legislative session, Senator Roraback supported important initiatives including farmland preservation funding, environmental reviews of state land sales, environmental justice, curbs on pesticides in schools, wetlands protections, “smart growth” land use planning, and new programs for recycling of electronic devices, which contain toxic material hazardous to public health.
In addition, Senator Roraback’s ongoing leadership in efforts to secure substantial funding for open space initiatives is recognized as critical to building momentum around the important issue of land conservation.
According to Lori Brown, CTLCV Executive Director, “Senator Roraback has done a stellar job in representing his constituents on environmental issues and we are grateful for his support.”
Senator Roraback said, “As one who feels privileged to represent a corner of the state whose natural resources are so deserving of protection, I am honored to have been recognized for my record in the 2007 session. My constituency rightfully recognizes environmental issues as being of the utmost importance as we work to leave a legacy of clean air, clean water and a state rich in natural resources for future generations.”
For a more detailed report of this year’s environmental initiatives, please visit www.ctlcv@mindspring.com to print a copy of the 2007 Environmental Scorecard, or contact CTLCV at 860-236-5442.
The CTLCV is a bi-partisan, statewide, non-profit organization dedicated to protecting Connecticut 's environment by making it a priority for our elected leaders. As a legislative watchdog, CTLCV works in concert with Connecticut's environmental advocacy groups to identify and highlight important bills impacting our air, water, wildlife, open space, and our health. CTLCV also supports pro-environment candidates for political office at election time and holds state legislators accountable for their votes in an annual Environmental Scorecard.
Senator Roraback has been repeatedly recognized for his leadership on environmental issues. He consistently supports legislation focused on clean air and water, farmland and open space preservation, control of invasive plants, forestry management, funding for greenways and the protection of historic landscapes.
In 2007 he received the Connecticut Olmstead Award for his significant contributions in the area of environmental advocacy and stewardship.
He has been named Legislator of the Year by the Connecticut Farm Bureau Association three times and was the lead proponent of legislation that outlaws the importation and sale of certain invasive aquatic plants that pose a serious threat to Connecticut ’s lakes and streams.
Senator Roraback was hailed as an “Environmental Hero” by CTLCV in 2004 and was given an environmental recognition award by Audubon Connecticut in 2003.
Senator Roraback has also been honored by the Working Lands Alliance, a multi-interest coalition working to preserve Connecticut ’s farmland, as one of its “Legislators of the Year” for his work on behalf of farmers and in the interest of the preservation of farmland. In addition, he was awarded the Connecticut Greenways Council Recognition for his years of consistent effort to preserve open space and protect natural resources in Northwest Connecticut . Senator Roraback has also received the Montgomery Hare Environmental Defender Award from the Housatonic Valley Association.
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