Velazquez Environmental Record Earns Praise

Washington, DC – A prominent national environmental advocacy group has given Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) a 100% rating on her voting record for 2015. The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) released their annual voting scorecard, which gauges lawmakers support for environmental causes.

“I’m proud of my record of voting to preserve our planet and protect healthier communities,” Velázquez said. “The League of Conservation Voters is one of our nation’s most vocal environmental advocates and their rating of my voting record reflects my commitment on these issues.”

The LCV scorecard examined lawmakers’ votes on a wide range of issues including climate change, clean energy, the Keystone XL Pipeline, the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal and genetically modified food labeling.

“Certain special interests and large companies are pushing an extreme, anti-environmental agenda in Washington and it is critical we stand up to them,” Velázquez noted. “I will continue basing my votes on what’s good for New York City, our neighborhoods and the planet.”

Out of 27 U.S. House Members representing New York State, Velázquez was one of only seven receiving a 100% rating. In addition to her strong voting record in support of the environment, she has worked to obtain “Superfund” status for sites in New York’s 7th Congressional District, including the Gowanus Canal, Newtown Creek and the Wolff-Alport Chemical Company. This allows federal resources to be used in remediating these sites.

“At the end of the day, environmental issues are about the public health and ensuring we can raise our children in communities free of dangerous pollutants,” Velázquez concluded. “This will remain a key priority for me going forward.”

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