For Immediate Release: June 12, 2026
Contact: Shawn Drury, Director of Communications
571.259.3501
sdrury@mdlcv.org
Maryland League of Conservation Voters Releases 2026 Environmental Scorecard
Annual release arrives in time for voters to make informed decisions at the ballot box on candidates who share their values on the environment and democracy
The Maryland League of Conservation Voters released its 2026 Legislative scorecard today, in time for voters to consider the voting records of their representatives. Released annually, the Scorecard is a tool for voters to hold state Senators and Delegates accountable for their votes to protect the environment and democracy.
The Scorecard’s release comes at a critical time for Maryland’s environment. The Federal Government has not merely abandoned its responsibility to protect the environment; it has chosen to attack safeguards that allow for clean air, healthy water, and climate resiliency. These actions make it critical that states, including Maryland, lead on protecting the environment.
In addition, Marylanders are facing an affordability crisis, where the soaring costs of utilities are front and center. This crisis is also a result of the actions of the Federal Government.
The most notable law passed during the 2026 session was the Utility RELIEF Act, an omnibus bill combining parts of 18 other pieces of legislation. A response to the energy affordability crisis, the bill was championed by Governor Moore, Senate President Ferguson, and House Speaker Peña-Melnyk, and set an example of what a government that works together can do.
“We worked closely with leadership in both chambers to inject clean energy policies into this bill and defend energy efficiency programs,” said Maryland LCV Executive Director Kim Coble. “The Utility RELIEF Act was not a climate bill when it was first introduced. However, thanks to Maryland LCV and our partners, it is now.”
The Utility RELIEF Act, among other things, prioritizes clean energy sources and holds both data centers and utility companies more accountable for their impacts on the environment and communities.
The Scorecard evaluates the actions of the legislature on the following priorities: Climate and Energy, Democracy, Environmental Justice, and Land and Water. Of particular note in this election year were two bills that supported voting access.
The Scorecard assesses Senators on seven votes, and Delegates on eight votes. Voters can evaluate if their legislator prioritized environmental and democracy issues by looking at their voting score for the 2026 session, as well as their lifetime score.
“I’m proud to present this resource to voters across Maryland so that they can make an informed decision about voting for candidates that share their values for a better Maryland,” Coble said.
Maryland LCV’s 2026 endorsements can be found at www.mdlcv.org/endorsements.
For the latest information on environmental endorsements, follow Maryland LCV on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram and the hashtag #MDLCVEndorsed.
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Maryland LCV has served as the trusted, non-partisan resource on environmental issues for Maryland’s elected officials and voters for over 45 years. The Annual Environmental Scorecard and biannual Governor’s Report Card spotlight the environmental votes of elected officials. Maryland LCV’s endorsements signal to voters that a candidate has made a commitment to demonstrate leadership on environmental issues when elected to office.