Wisconsin Lawmakers Earn Above Average Marks From LCV
Staff February 21, 2002

MADISON, WI--Wisconsin's congressional delegation scored better than average compared with other states on environmental issues, according to a report released Wednesday by a conservation group. The League of Conservation Voters gave 100 percent ratings in its annual report card to U.S. Reps. Tammy Baldwin, Tom Barrett, Ron Kind and Jerry Kleczka, all Democrats. Reps. Paul Ryan, Mark Green and James Sensenbrenner, all Republicans, tied for the lowest marks among Wisconsin's delegation with a 29 percent ranking. Still, Wisconsin was one of the few states that did not have lawmakers with zero percent ratings. The national average for 2001 was 48 percent for House members and 46 percent for senators. "We have a strong tradition of conservation in the state that carries through to our public officials," said Barry Ashenfelter of the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters. The organization works with the league on environmental issues. The House rankings were based on 14 votes in 2001 on issues that included drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and increasing the fuel economy standards for vehicles. The Senate rankings were based on eight votes during 2001 on issues that included drilling in the Gulf of Mexico and reforming campaign finance.