State legislators received scores based on their voting record on issues like land and water conservation, renewable energy, and transportation. The Environmental Council of Rhode Island, a coalition of local environmental organizations, said there’s room for improvement.
Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed earned an “A” while House Speaker Nick Mattiello received a “B-minus.” Overall, the average grade in the Senate was a “C,” and a “C-plus” in the House. The group releases the grades every two years.
“The report card is a way to let legislators and voters know that we’re watching how they vote – and we applaud those who vote in support of environmental efforts, and we’ll have the report card reflect those who are not supportive,” said Environmental Council Spokeswoman Kat Burnham.
The report also includes an assessment of Governor Gina Raimondo’s first two years in office. Burnham said her group thinks the governor’s environmental record is mixed.
“Very pleased to see that she is promoting renewable energy in state agencies and her support for the Deepwater Wind project we applaud,” said Burham. “But there were some concerns regarding her support for natural gas expansion.”
The Green Report Card calls the governor’s support of a power plant in Burrillville a “blemish” on her record. Governor Raimondo has said the project is not a “done deal,” and has been conducting listening sessions with concerned residents.
