Michigan legislators make high marks on environmental card

Michigan has long been a site of conflict over environmental issues, and its members of congress present the varied opinions of the state's residents.

While most of Michigan's national legislators scored high on the National Environmental Scorecard, an indicator of support for environmental issues sponsored by the League of Conservation Voters, others showed clear support for other interests.

"Overall, we're really happy with the scores that our representative got," said Mary Beth Doyle, spokesperson for the Ecology Center of Ann Arbor.

U.S. Rep. Lynn Rivers (D-Ann Arbor), who represents the area encompassing the University, received a score of 88 percent. Betsy Loilos, a political analyst for the LCV, said Rivers has consistently shown support for environmental issues.

"Rivers was willing to cast some difficult votes on the environment," Loilos said.

Rivers said her district is concerned with the environment, and scores on the evaluation are usually reflective of a representative's constituency.

"The 13th (congressional) district is very much a green one," Rivers said. Legislators "vote their districts."

Rivers said someone who does not support environment-friendly legislation would have a "very tough time" getting elected in her district.

Sen. Carl Levin received a rating of 71 percent on the scorecard and Sen. Spencer Abraham got a 14-percent rating.

"Cart Levin took quite a plunge, going from 93 percent to 71 percent," said Lisa Wade, a spokesperson for the LCV.

Loilos said Abraham's score was "hardly a surprise."

"It was very clear when he ran that he did not support environmental issues. He never attempted to reach out to environmental issues," Loilos said.

Overall, the Michigan delegation scored just above the national average in the House of Representatives, but the combined score for Michigan senators Levin and Abraham was below the average.

"In Michigan, there's often a view that environmental protection hurts business," Doyle said. "But I don't think that's the case."

Legislators were scored based on the votes they cast on the most important environmental issues of 1997, including air quality, global warming and nuclear waste. Twenty-seven environmental and conservation groups decided which votes were considered.

"There's a lot of politics that go behind every vote," Doyle said. "This is a relatively good reflection, but it's not perfect."

Loilos said the scorecard is the "best indicator there is" for judging members of Congress on their commitment to the environment.

02-17-98