Audubon gives local lawmakers green thumbs up for their votes
Cara Hogan, Lowell Sun - 04/10/2008

BOSTON -- Many lawmakers from Greater Lowell received top marks for their work on environmental issues, according to the 23rd annual Legislative Report Card released this week by Mass Audubon.

"I wish I got 100 percent on all of my tests in school," said Rep. David Nangle, D-Lowell, who received a perfect score from the environmental group, which rated legislators on their positions on clean energy and open-space conservation.

The Legislative Report Card rates legislators by the roll-call votes taken on environmental bills or funding measures, giving 100 percent to supporters of every bill and a lesser percentage for each vote against.

Twelve out of 19 legislators from Greater Lowell received a score of 100 percent, with the lowest ranking of 70 percent belonging to Republican Rep. Robert Hargraves of Groton.

Nangle's grade reflects his growing involvement in green issues, including a bill to eliminate the sales tax on hybrid vehicles.

"By encouraging the consumer to purchase those vehicles, they get a savings and help the environment," he said.

Nangle said his score, an improvement over previous years, reflects a general trend in the Legislature.

"It's where we're going, with green buildings and sustainable energy," he said. "We'll be spending $4 a gallon for gas by the summer, so anything that can help is the way to go."

Rep. Kevin Murphy, D-Lowell, was also awarded 100 percent for his work on funding open spaces in Lowell.

"Didn't know I was such a tree hugger, huh?" said Murphy. "In the past years, we have championed money for the parks in Lowell."

Rep. James Eldridge, D-Acton, received a 90 percent rating, just shy of the 100 percent ranking of Sen. Pamela Resor, who is retiring this year. Eldridge has announced his candidacy to replace the Acton Democrat for the Middlesex/Worcester District

"That's something I will aspire to in the Senate, to reach 100 percent like Senator Resor," said Eldridge, a former campaign manager for Resor. "Resor is the environmental conscience of the Senate. She sets a high standard that I hope to meet."

Compared to previous years, the Legislature overall showed improvement, receiving an average B-plus on environmental votes in 2007.

The average House score rose 9.6 percent from 2006, while the Senate increased 13 percent.

But Jack Clark, director of public policy at the Massachusetts Audubon Society, said that despite this year's improvement, it's still not enough.

"They're not voting on many environmental issues," Clark said. "What we have is repeated votes on repeated bills, usually amendments. We're asking the Legislature to take up during the next session an environmental agenda."