Menendez Earns Perfect Score on 2012 National Environmental Scorecard

For the fourth consecutive year, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) received a 100% on the League of Conservations Voters’ (LCV) National Environmental Scorecard. The annual scorecard released today is a nationally accepted yardstick used to rate members of Congress on environmental, public health and energy issues. The 2012 Scorecard includes votes on issues ranging from conservation compliance to investing more in clean energy by ending big oil subsidies, an effort led by Senator Menendez.

“I am proud to once again earn a perfect score from the LCV which I believe reflects my steadfast commitment to protecting the planet and our way of life,” said Menendez. “I am disappointed that about half of my colleagues were deemed anti-environmental by the same test. It is imperative that we come together on a bipartisan basis to protect the environment, expand renewable energy production and better public health.”
Senator Menendez has long been recognized as an environmental leader in New Jersey and nationally. He led the fight to protect New Jersey from the threat of an oil spill like the Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico. When, pressured by the oil industry, the federal government proposed drilling in waters less than 100 miles from Cape May, Menendez took on members of both parties and helped convince the administration to suspend the planned drilling. Because he strongly believes taxpayers should not be on the hook for damages caused by a reckless industry, Menendez authored a proposal to require polluting oil companies to fully pay for their pollution. Senator Menendez is also a strong supporter of preserving our natural environment. He was a cosponsor of the Highlands Conservation Act and has led the effort to provide funding to protect this valuable open space. He also secured passage of legislation designating Paterson Great Falls a National Park.