GOVERNOR HOGAN EARNS “NEEDS IMPROVEMENT” SCORE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RECORD

For more information contact:

Karla Raettig, 202-674-3174 (c)
kraettig@mdlcv.org

January 24, 2017      

GOVERNOR HOGAN EARNS “NEEDS IMPROVEMENT” SCORE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RECORD 

Maryland League of Conservation Voters Releases Report Card for Governor’s First Two Years in Office  

Annapolis, MD – The Maryland League of Conservation Voters (Maryland LCV) gives Governor Hogan a mark of “Needs Improvement” on his first environmental report card, released today, noting that the Governor’s actions don’t always match his words when it comes to prioritizing the environment and public health. But the group notes that, with a new President who has promised to rollback federal protections and nominated an environmental cabinet that denies climate change, the organization looks to Governor Hogan to show that conservation is not a partisan concern and that supporting public health and protecting natural treasures are good for business.  

“This report card reflects both Governor Hogan’s strengths and opportunities for improvement over the last two years,” said Karla Raettig, Maryland LCV Executive Director. “We hope the Governor’s office will work with us to us to live up to his promise to be an environmental champion who uses Maryland’s extraordinary natural resources to promote a healthy economy and improved lives for all Marylanders, regardless of income, demographic profile, or zip code.”

The report card notes that Governor Hogan’s actions do not always support the strong pro-environment statements he has made since the beginning of his term, and goes on to say: “Lofty aspirational goals of bipartisan cooperation and promoting a healthy Chesapeake Bay as ‘key to a strong economy and high quality of life—for all Marylanders’ as a top priority is admirable, but requires an equal commitment to maintaining strong regulatory protection and enforcement against bad actors.”

“We want to encourage both Governor Hogan’s actions and words when it comes to protecting our air, land, water and people,” said Ed Hatcher, Chair of Maryland LCV Board. “With a new federal administration that threatens to undermine environmental protections, state-level action becomes more important than ever. We need our Governor to assume greater leadership on climate change, protecting public health and conserving our natural resources.”

In the report, Maryland LCV praises Governor Hogan for his commitment to land conservation, signing the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act into law and open government and secretarial appointments. Maryland LCV gave low marks for the Governor’s veto of the 2016 Clean Energy Jobs Act, regulatory rollbacks and canceling the Red Line for Baltimore City.

After consultation with conservation leaders across the state, Maryland LCV Board of Directors and staff prepared the 2017 Governor’s Report Card. Maryland LCV awarded the Governor an overall grade for his performance on the environment based on a number of separately graded categories, which contain a number of detailed issues intended to be representative of the Hogan Administration’s commitment and actions on environmental issues.

LARRY HOGAN’S OVERALL GRADE: Needs Improvement 

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE: Needs Improvement

TRANSPORTATION: Needs Improvement 

ADMINISTRATION AND APPOINTMENTS: Mixed

LAND PRESERVATION AND OPEN SPACE: Excellent 

WATER QUALITY: Needs Improvement

DEMOCRACY: Mixed

Go to www.mdlcv.org/ for past report cards and follow #HoganGreenReport on social media.

 # # #

The Maryland League of Conservation Voters (Maryland LCV) is a state-wide, nonpartisan organization that uses political action and education to protect our air, land and water. Maryland LCV endorses and elects pro-conservation candidates and holds elected officials accountable through legislative scorecards. A leading legislative watchdog in Annapolis, we have advocated for smart environmental policies for almost 40 years, working to make Maryland a healthy and prosperous place for families and communities. Maryland LCV protects public health by fighting for restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and local waters, preserving green spaces, promoting smarter growth and increasing Maryland’s investment in clean energy.