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Environment
New Mexico
Legislative
Scorecard
June 2008
Environment New Mexico Legislative Scorecard 
Environment New Mexico Legislative Scorecard
Environment New Mexico
Legislative Scorecard
Environment New Mexico
Written by:
Ivan Frishberg
Lauren Ketcham
Rick Trilsch
With contributions from:
Anna Aurilio
Emily Figdor
Sean Garren
Mike Gravitz
Caroline Kory
Christy Leavitt
Ben Schreiber
June 2008
Environment New Mexico Legislative Scorecard 
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the policy staff, field staff, citizen outreach staff, interns, volunteers
and members of Environment New Mexico and Environment America for their ongoing work to
protect and preserve the environment. Special thanks Paul Carlson, Silas Pugatch, and Erin Wingo for
their help in producing this year’s Legislative Scorecard.
Environment New Mexico, a statewide, citizen-based environmental advocacy organization, monitors
the voting records of New Mexico’s state legislators and Congressional Delegation.
Environment New Mexico
PO Box 40173
Albuquerque, NM 87196
(505) 254-4819
info@environmentnewmexico.org
www.EnvironmentNewMexico.org
For additional copies of the Environment New Mexico Legislative Scorecard, or for more information
about Environment New Mexico, please visit www.EnvironmentNewMexico.org.
Copyright 2008 Environment New Mexico
All photos under license from shutterstock.com.
Cover photo: Shiprock, NM, Mike Norton; Page 4: California Coast, Sasha Buzko; Asheville, NC, Bonita R. Cheshier; Page 5:
Susquehanna State Park, MD, Andrew Williams; Page 6: Shiprock, NM, Mike Norton; Page 7: Allegheny National For-
est, PA, Jeffrey M. Frank; Page 10: Shenandoah National Park, Amygdala Imagery; Page 12: Wind Farm, Rafa Irusta; Page
13: Traffic, Natalia Bratslavsky; Page 14: Offshore Drilling Rig, Ingvar Tjostheim; Page 15: Sewer Pipe, Vankina; Page 16:
Grand Canyon, Forbis; Page 17: Solar Panels, Adrian Matthiassen.
Environment New Mexico Legislative Scorecard
Table of Contents
Overview.............................................. 4
Congress & The Environment............. 5
Congressional Environmental
Champions.......................................... 8
Congressional Natural Disasters........ 9
State Congressional Averages.......... 10
U.S. Senate & U.S. House Votes.......... 11
U.S. Senate Vote Descriptions............ 12
U.S. House Vote Descriptions............. 15
N.M. State Senate Votes.................... 18
N.M. State House Votes...................... 19
Environment New Mexico Legislative Scorecard 
OVERVIEW
Environment America is a federation of state-
based, citizen-funded environmental advocacy
organizations. Our presence in all 50 states and
Washington D.C., hundreds of thousands of mem-
bers, state-level organizations in 26 state capitals,
and hundreds of professional staff , combine in-
dependent research, practical ideas and tough-
minded advocacy to overcome the opposition of
powerful special interests and win real results for
the environment. Environment America, the new
home of U.S. PIRG’s environmental work, draws
on 30 years of success in tackling environmental
problems.
Environment New Mexico, the new home of
NMPIRG’s environmental work, is a state-wide, cit-
izen-based environmental advocacy organization.
With more than 6500 members and activists across
New Mexico, Environment New Mexico works to
protect New Mexico’s air, water and open spaces
and to achieve real solutions to global warming.
In 2007, the leaders of our state-based environmen- California Coastline
tal organizations, like Environment New Mexico,
joined forces to form Environment America. To- pollution that causes global warming, to winning
gether, in Washington, D.C. and throughout the new protections for countless acres of wild places
country we’re building on the progress our advo- and open spaces. With grassroots support and ac-
cates and activists have made at the state and lo- tion across the nation, a team of professional re-
cal levels—from passing laws that promote energy searchers, advocates and issue experts, a spirit of
efficiency and solar and wind power, to cutting the cooperation, a willingness to take on whatever spe-
cial interests might stand in the way
of a clean and healthy environment
and an orientation toward real results,
Environment America is providing a
powerful new force for progress on
the environment in our country.
Environment America, Environment
New Mexico, and our federation of
state environmental groups produce
this regular report on key votes in
Congress as one of our many tools to
help citizens engage in and make an
impact on environmental policy. The
scorecard is distributed online to our
entire membership and through our
door-to-door canvass in cities and
Asheville, North Carolina towns across the country. It is being
Environment New Mexico Legislative Scorecard
distributed to more than one million households. search votes and basic information on their elected
officials as well as look at past reports. For more
The 2008 scorecard looks at the key environmen- information visit: www.environmentnewmexico.
tal votes taken between March 2007 and February org.
2008. Through our online tools citizens can re-
CONGRESS & THE ENVIRONMENT
Introduction ed in December 2007.
For more than three decades, Americans have The 2006 midterm elections provided new leaders
shown overwhelming support for clean air, clean in the Congress. While that has resulted in some
water and protecting open space. More recently, significant changes, there are unfortunately many
the American people have shown a strong desire to storylines in Washington that have not changed.
combat global warming and to create a new ener- Much of the agenda is still established by a Presi-
gy future that is based on increased efficiency and dent and administration that has great power over
more reliance on clean renewable, homegrown en- the policies that protect our environment.
ergy sources. Americans
came together to advance An Assault on the
these goals through a
framework of federal laws
Environment
such as the Clean Air Act,
The assault on the environ-
the Clean Water Act and
ment from President Bush
the Endangered Species
and his appointees contin-
Act. In addition, and on a
ues unabated. In the past
regular basis, we come to-
18 months the administra-
gether at the state level to
tion has been increasingly
provide critical leadership
focused on weakening
in setting the standards
bedrock environmental
for how the environment
protections and the envi-
should be protected with
ronmental progress of the
local examples that become
states.
models for federal action.
For example, in Febru-
All too often, the American
ary 2008, Environmental
public has demonstrated a
Protection Agency (EPA)
greater appetite for strong
Administrator Steven
environmental protections
Johnson, ignoring a unani-
than our elected officials
mous recommendation
have delivered. Powerful
of the EPA’s professional
interests frequently exert Susquehanna State Park, Maryland
staff, denied California’s
their resources and dis-
request for a waiver under the Clean Air Act to
proportionate influence to roll back or block key
adopt greenhouse gas emission standards for cars.
environmental protections. For example, the auto
This decision has blocked California and 13 other
industry successfully blocked increased miles per
states that have adopted these standards from re-
gallon standards for thirty years until citizen pres-
quiring automakers to cut global warming pollu-
sure and national security concerns led to a forty
tion from automobiles. California and more than
percent increase in the standards which was enact-
a dozen other states have filed suit against the EPA
Environment New Mexico Legislative Scorecard 
for failing to heed science and the law in denying
California’s request.
The Bush Administration has also attacked bedrock
clean water and toxics laws. In June 2007, the Bush
administration issued a second policy that elimi-
nates longstanding Clean Water Act protections
for many U.S. waterways, putting thousands of
miles of streams and millions of acres of wetlands
in danger of unlimited pollution and development.
The waters at risk from this policy are the source
waters for America’s rivers, lakes and bays. These
waters filter pollution, sustain water supplies, con-
trol flood waters and provide habitat for fish and
other wildlife.
In December 2006, the Bush administration final-
ized a rule to rollback the Toxics Release Inventory
program, the basic right-to-know program that
provides the public with toxic pollution informa-
tion every year. Under the Bush administration
changes, polluters can release ten times more toxic
chemicals into the air, water and land before they
would be required to report it and can withhold in-
formation on the most dangerous toxic chemicals. Shiprock, New Mexico
history, with more than 95 percent of them in favor
Finally, the Bush Administration continues to try to of complete protection for all of these last wild na-
repeal the rule that protects a third of our national tional forests.
forests from logging and road-building. In 2007,
the Bush administration filed an appeal to the 9th A Change in Direction
Circuit Court of Appeals decision that allowed the
2001 Roadless Rule to stand as the law of the land. The new members and leadership of the 110th Con-
If successful, the administration’s appeal would gress have changed the direction of environmen-
give industries, such as timber and mining, access tal policy in measurable ways. The most notable
to a third of the national forests. The Roadless Rule change is in the shift from predominantly defen-
protects the last wild national forests from most sive votes in the previous Congress to more solu-
road building associated with industry activities. tion oriented votes in the current Congress. Ad-
Millions of Americans took part in the rule-making ditionally, there has been a dramatic increase in the
process for the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation number of legislators who have voted 100% of the
Rule, more than any other federal rule-making in time for the environment (“Environmental Cham-
Environmental Champions vs. Disasters Defensive vs. Solution Votes
2006 2008 2006 2008
House Environmental Champions 71 124 House Defensive Votes 86% 38%
Senate Environmental Champions 6 30 Senate Defensive Votes 57% 30%
House Natural Disasters 114 67 House Solution Votes 14% 62%
Senate Natural Disasters 22 21 Senate Solution Votes 43% 70%
Total Defensive Votes 71% 36%
Total Solution Votes 29% 64%
Environment New Mexico Legislative Scorecard
pions”) and fewer who have scored
a zero on our scorecard (“Natural
Disasters”).
The 110th Congress did make sig-
nificant progress on energy legisla-
tion, and debate on and passage of
Energy Security and Independence
Act of 2007 is reflected in a number
of votes on the scorecard. One of the
highlights of the bill, which passed
with overwhelming support in both
the House and the Senate, is the first
time in over thirty years that Con-
gress has increased fuel economy
standards. In 2020 the bill will save
1.1 million barrels of oil per day and Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania
save consumers more than $22 bil-
lion at the pump. solutions to our environmental problems. Both
of the major presidential candidates are on record
The House of Representatives also has made more supporting action on global warming. The transi-
significant progress than the Senate on a number tion to a clean energy economy is a major topic in
of important proposals such as the passage of in- countless Congressional campaigns. Environment
vestment and production tax credits for energy ef- America will remain as vigilant as we are optimis-
ficiency and renewable energy paid for through the tic that we can take the steps necessary to preserve
repeal of tax loopholes for oil and gas companies, and protect the world we live in.
and a renewable electricity standard that would
require twenty percent of our electricity to be pro-
duced by clean and renewable sources of energy.
Both of these measures have faced veto threats
from the President and have failed to garner the 60
votes necessary for passage in the Senate.
The Outlook from Here
This is a critical time for speeding the transition to
the clean energy economy and protecting our natu-
ral environment. From clean energy and efficiency
tax credits to the Clean Water Restoration Act, Con-
gress has important policy matters to address be-
fore it adjourns the 110th session. We will continue
our efforts to see that America gets the progress it
needs and deserves. As the Bush Administration
wraps up what arguably has been the worst ever
administration for the environment, we will be
watchful against the ongoing efforts of the admin-
istrative to undermine key environmental protec-
tions and serve the powerful special interests that
have maintained unprecedented levels of influence
over public policy. Increasingly the public and the
states are stepping up to address and speak out for
Environment New Mexico Legislative Scorecard 
ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPIONS
Thirty U.S. Senators and 124 U.S. Representatives took the pro-environment position on every vote that
Environment America tracked for the 2008 Scorecard and we consider them Environmental Champions.
Senate Michael Capuano (MA) John Lewis (GA)
Danny Akaka (HI) Russ Carnahan (MO) Dan Lipinski (IL)
Joe Biden (DE) Chris Carney (PA) Frank LoBiondo (NJ)
Jeff Bingaman (NM) Kathy Castor (FL) Dave Loebsack (IA)
Maria Cantwell (WA) Ben Chandler (KY) Zoe Lofgren (CA)
Ben Cardin (MD) Steve Cohen (TN) Steve Lynch (MA)
Bob Casey (PA) Joe Courtney (CT) Carolyn Maloney (NY)
Susan Collins (ME) Joe Crowley (NY) Ed Markey (MA)
Byron Dorgan (ND) Elijah Cummings (MD) Doris Matsui (CA)
Dick Durbin (IL) Peter DeFazio (OR) Carolyn McCarthy (NY)
Russ Feingold (WI) Diana DeGette (CO) Betty McCollum (MN)
Tom Harkin (IA) Rosa DeLauro (CT) Jim McDermott (WA)
Dan Inouye (HI) Norm Dicks (WA) Jim McGovern (MA)
Ted Kennedy (MA) Joe Donnelly (IN) Jerry McNerney (CA)
John Kerry (MA) Keith Ellison (MN) Brad Miller (NC)
Amy Klobuchar (MN) Sam Farr (CA) George Miller (CA)
Herb Kohl (WI) Bob Filner (CA) Harry Mitchell (AZ)
Frank Lautenberg (NJ) Gabrielle Giffords (AZ) Dennis Moore (KS)
Patrick Leahy (VT) Kirsten Gillibrand (NY) Jim Moran (VA)
Joe Lieberman (CT) John Hall (NY) Christopher Murphy (CT)
Robert Menendez (NJ) Philip Hare (IL) Patrick Murphy (PA)
Barbara Mikulski (MD) Jane Harman (CA) Jerry Nadler (NY)
Patty Murray (WA) Alcee Hastings (FL) Grace Napolitano (CA)
Bill Nelson (FL) Brian Higgins (NY) Richie Neal (MA)
Jack Reed (RI) Baron Hill (IN) Dave Obey (WI)
Bernie Sanders (VT) Maurice Hinchey (NY) John Olver (MA)
Chuck Schumer (NY) Mazie Hirono (HI) Frank Pallone (NJ)
Olympia Snowe (ME) Paul Hodes (NH) Bill Pascrell (NJ)
Jon Tester (MT) Rush Holt (NJ) Ed Pastor (AZ)
Sheldon Whitehouse (RI) Mike Honda (CA) Ed Perlmutter (CO)
Ron Wyden (OR) Steny Hoyer (MD) Earl Pomeroy (ND)
Jay Inslee (WA) David Price (NC)
House Steve Israel (NY) Jim Ramstad (MN)
Tom Allen (ME) Jesse Jackson (IL) Charlie Rangel (NY)
Jason Altmire (PA) Sheila Jackson Lee (TX) Steve Rothman (NJ)
Rob Andrews (NJ) Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX) Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA)
Michael Arcuri (NY) Hank Johnson (GA) Bobby Rush (IL)
Tammy Baldwin (WI) Tim Johnson (IL) Timothy Ryan (OH)
Xavier Becerra (CA) Steve Kagen (WI) Linda Sanchez (CA)
Tim Bishop (NY) Patrick Kennedy (RI) Loretta Sanchez (CA)
Earl Blumenauer (OR) Dale Kildee (MI) Jan Schakowsky (IL)
Bruce Braley (IA) Jim Langevin (RI) Adam Schiff (CA)
Corrine Brown (FL) Barbara Lee (CA) Bobby Scott (VA)
Lois Capps (CA) Sander Levin (MI) Joe Sestak (PA)
Environment New Mexico Legislative ScorecardEnvironmental Champions continued. Ellen Tauscher (CA) Mel Watt (NC)
Mike Thompson (CA) Henry Waxman (CA)
Carol Shea-Porter (NH) John Tierney (MA) Anthony Weiner (NY)
Albio Sires (NJ) Mark Udall (CO) Bob Wexler (FL)
Louise Slaughter (NY) Tom Udall (NM) John Yarmuth (KY)
Adam Smith (WA) Chris Van Hollen (MD)
Chris Smith (NJ) Nydia Velazquez (NY)
Vic Snyder (AR) Tim Walz (MN)
Hilda Solis (CA) Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL)
Pete Stark (CA) Maxine Waters (CA)
Betty Sutton (OH) Diane Watson (CA)
NATURAL DISASTERS
Unfortunately, 21 U.S. Senators and 67 U.S. Representatives took the anti-environment position on ev-
ery vote that Environment America tracked and they are considered Natural Disasters.
Senate Paul Broun (GA) John Linder (GA)
Bob Bennett (UT) Mike Burgess (TX) Frank Lucas (OK)
Kit Bond (MO) Dave Camp (MI) Dan Lungren (CA)
Sam Brownback (KS) Chris Cannon (UT) Don Manzullo (IL)
Jim Bunning (KY) Eric Cantor (VA) Ken Marchant (TX)
Richard Burr (NC) John Carter (TX) Kevin McCarthy (CA)
Saxby Chambliss (GA) Tom Cole (OK) Jim McCrery (LA)
Tom Coburn (OK) Mike Conaway (TX) Patrick McHenry (NC)
Thad Cochran (MS) Barbara Cubin (WY) Buck McKeon (CA)
John Cornyn (TX) John Culberson (TX) John Mica (FL)
Jim DeMint (SC) Geoff Davis (KY) Gary Miller (CA)
Mike Enzi (WY) Jimmy Duncan (TN) Marilyn Musgrave (CO)
Chuck Hagel (NE) Mary Fallin (OK) Randy Neugebauer (TX)
Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX) Trent Franks (AZ) Devin Nunes (CA)
James Inhofe (OK) Phil Gingrey (GA) Steve Pearce (NM)
Johnny Isakson (GA) Louie Gohmert (TX) Mike Pence (IN)
John McCain (AZ) Virgil Goode (VA) Joe Pitts (PA)
Mitch McConnell (KY) Bob Goodlatte (VA) George Radanovich (CA)
Richard Shelby (AL) Kay Granger (TX) Mike Rogers (MI)
David Vitter (LA) Ralph Hall (TX) Bill Sali (ID)
George Voinovich (OH) Wally Herger (CA) Pete Sessions (TX)
Pete Hoekstra (MI) John Shadegg (AZ)
House Darrell Issa (CA) Mike Simpson (ID)
Michele Bachmann (MN) Sam Johnson (TX) Lamar Smith (TX)
Joe Barton (TX) Steve King (IA) Mark Souder (IN)
Rob Bishop (UT) Jack Kingston (GA) John Sullivan (OK)
Roy Blunt (MO) John Kline (MN) Tom Tancredo (CO)
John Boehner (OH) Doug Lamborn (CO) Mac Thornberry (TX)
Charles Boustany (LA) Tom Latham (IA) Todd Tiahrt (KS)
Kevin Brady (TX) Ron Lewis (KY) Lynn Westmoreland (GA)
Environment New Mexico Legislative Scorecard STATE CONGRESSIONAL AVERAGES
Senate Averages
Hawaii 100% Arkansas 80% Tennessee 25%
Maine 100% California 80% Louisiana 20%
Maryland 100% Iowa 80% North Carolina 10%
Massachusetts 100% Pennsylvania 80% Alabama 5%
New Jersey 100% Michigan 75% Arizona 5%
Rhode Island 100% Indiana 65% Kansas 5%
Vermont 100% New Mexico 65% South Carolina 5%
Washington 100% Florida 55% Utah 5%
Wisconsin 100% Virginia 55% Georgia 0%
Delaware 95% Nevada 50% Kentucky 0%
Illinois 95% New Hampshire 50% Mississippi* 0%
Montana 95% South Dakota 50% Oklahoma 0%
New York 95% Colorado 45% Texas 0%
North Dakota 95% Ohio 45% Wyoming* 0%
Oregon 95% Missouri 40%
Connecticut 85% Nebraska 40% National Average 57%
Minnesota 85% Alaska 25%
West Virginia 85% Idaho 25% * Only one Senator has scores.
House Averages
New Hampshire 100% Pennsylvania 66% Nevada 39%
North Dakota* 100% California 65% New Mexico 38%
Rhode Island 100% Arkansas 64% Kentucky 37%
Massachusetts 98% Mississippi 62% Alabama 33%
Connecticut 97% West Virginia 59% Texas 31%
Maine 96% North Carolina 59% Nebraska 28%
Hawaii 93% Iowa 57% Louisiana 25%
Delaware* 92% Colorado 55% Utah 21%
Vermont* 92% Arizona 51% Alaska* 8%
Maryland 87% Kansas 50% Montana* 8%
Dist. of Columbia 86% Florida 50% Oklahoma 3%
South Dakota* 85% Michigan 50% Idaho 0%
New York 84% Indiana 49% Wyoming* 0%
New Jersey 83% Tennessee 48%
Oregon 81% Ohio 48% National Average 58%
Washington 77% Missouri 43%
Wisconsin 72% South Carolina 42%
Illinois 72% Virginia 39%
Minnesota 71% Georgia 39% * Only one Member in delegation.
10 Environment New Mexico Legislative ScorecardKey
Key
3 Udall (D)
2 Pearce (R)
NEW MEXICO
NEW MEXICO
1 Wilson (R)
Jeff Bingaman (D)
Pete Domenici (R)
P = Voted “Present”
P = Voted “Present”
VOTES
VOTES
A = Absent from Vote
A = Absent from Vote
N/A = Not Yet in Office
N/A = Not Yet in Office
+ = Pro Environment Vote
+ = Pro Environment Vote
U.S. HOUSE
- = Anti Environment Vote
- = Anti Environment Vote
U.S. SENATE
-
-
1
End Subsidies For Big Oil And Fund
+
Clean Energy
-
1
+
-
2
Protect Our Waters From Sewage Block Funding For Dirty Liquid Coal
+
+
Overflow
-
-
3
Preserve Funding for Global
+
2
Evaluate Global Warming Impact Of
+
+
Warming Research New Water Projects
-
-
4
+
Protect Coasts From Offshore Drilling -
3
Keep Dirty Energy Technologies Out
+
Of The Renewable Energy Standard
-
-
5
Protect Coasts From Offshore Drilling
+
(2nd Vote)
-
4
+
Protect Coasts From Offshore Drilling
-
-
6
+
Maintain Pollution-Reduction Goals
-
5
Allow Vote To Create Tax Incentives
+
-
-
7
Block Funding for New Roads in
+
For Clean Energy
Tongass National Forest
-
6
+
-
8
Create National Renewable Electricity
+
+
Improve Gas Mileage Standards
Standard
-
-
9
Create Renewable Energy And Energy
+
7
Improve Gas Mileage Standards (2nd
+
+
Efficiency Standards Vote)
-
-
Protect the Grand Canyon From Toxic
+
10
-
8
Create Renewable Energy And Gas
+
Mining
Mileage Standards
-
-
Improve Gas Mileage Standards &
+
11
Create Renewable Electricity Standard
-
9
Extend Clean Energy Tax Incentives
+
-
-
Defend Green Building Requirements
+
And Raise Gas Mileage Standards
12
In Federal Grants
Allow Vote To Extend Clean Energy Tax
+
+
10
-
-
Extend Clean Energy Incentives by
13
Cutting Subsidies to Big Oil Incentives For Economic Stimulus
0%
30%
15%
100%
2008
+ 100%
2008
Score
Score
Environment New Mexico Legislative Scorecard 11SENATE VOTE DESCRIPTIONS
1. Energy: Block Funding For Dirty
Liquid Coal- Converting coal to a liq-
uid transportation fuel is a dirty pro-
cess that creates more than twice the
greenhouse gas emissions of conven-
tional oil, requires five gallons of water
for every gallon of transportation fuel
and would increase the environmental
impacts caused by coal mining. Liq-
uid coal is also an expensive technol-
ogy that is not competitive on an open
market with traditional gasoline and
would require billions of dollars in
government subsidies to compete. On
June 19th, 2007, the Senate defeated an
amendment, S. Amt. 1628, by Senator
Jim Bunning (R-KY) to the energy bill,
H.R. 6, that would have mandated 6 In December 2007 the Senate failed to pass legislation that would
have established a national renewable energy standard.
billion barrels of liquid coal by 2022 by
a vote of 39-55. (Roll Call #213). PRO future. Nuclear power, fossil fuels and other dirty
ENVIRONMENT VOTE: NO technologies are not renewable and should not be in-
cluded in a renewable electricity standard. Including
2. Global Warming: Evaluate Global Warming Im- these non-renewable technologies undermines the
pact Of New Water Projects- Healthy rivers, streams, incentive to truly renewable technologies and gives
and wetlands can help protect homes, buildings, and subsidies to some of the dirtiest energy sources, with-
people from sea level rise and more powerful storm out achieving any environmental benefits. On June
surges resulting from global warming. However, the 14th, 2007, by a vote of 56-39, the Senate voted to ta-
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which manages many ble an amendment by Senator Mitch McConnell for
of the nation’s water resources, does not routinely Senator Peter Domenici that would have introduced
consider the effects of global warming when mak- a watered down renewable electricity standard that
ing decisions about developing water projects. Sena- included nuclear, fossil fuels and other dirty energy
tors John Kerry (D-MA), Russ Feingold (D-WI), and in the definition of renewables. (Roll Call #211). PRO
Susan Collins (R-ME) offered an amendment to the ENVIRONMENT VOTE: YES
Water Resources Development Act (H.R. 1495) to re-
quire the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to consider 4. Oceans: Protect Coasts From Offshore Drilling-
the short- and long-term effects of global warming Since 1982, Congress has protected America’s beach-
in planning water resource projects. The amend- es and sensitive oceans from oil spills and the chronic
ment needed 60 votes to pass. On May 15, 2007, the pollution produced by oil and gas driling by passing
amendment failed by a vote of 51-42 (Roll call #166). an annual moratorium on expanding drilling to new
PRO ENVIRONMENT VOTE: YES areas. Sen. John Warner (R-VA) attempted to modify
the moratorium by allowing the Governor of Virginia
3. Energy: Keep Dirty Energy Technologies Out Of to petition the Secretary of the Interior to allow natu-
The Renewable Energy Standard- America is too ral gas exploration at least 50 miles from the coast. On
dependent on dirty energy sources such as coal and June 14, 2007 the Warner amendment was defeated
nuclear power. A renewable electricity standard that by a vote of 44 to 43 (Roll Call #212). PRO ENVIRON-
requires states to increase their use of renewable en- MENT VOTE: NO
ergy such as wind, solar, biomass and geothermal is
a proven policy that will spur investment in renew- 5. Energy: Allow Vote To Create Tax Incentives For
able technology, create new high paying green jobs Clean Energy- Clean energy from renewable sources
and move us down the road towards a clean energy like wind, solar, biomass and geothermal is essential
12 Environment New Mexico Legislative Scorecardto moving us towards a clean energy future. The gov-
ernment continues to incentivize dirty energy sources
like coal, nuclear and oil while giving little incentive
to clean energy sources. Tax incentives for renewables
like the renewable production tax credit and the pro-
duction tax credit are crucial drivers of new growth
in the industry and essential to promoting a healthy
industry. The Energy Advancement and Investment
Act of 2007, S.Amdt. 1704, that was introduced by
Senator Max Baucus as an amendment to the energy
bill, H.R. 6, reduced tax breaks to given to the oil and
gas by $13 billion and extended $21.8 billion in tax
incentives to energy efficiency and renewables. On
June 21, 2007, the Senate failed by a vote of 57-36 to
file cloture on the Amendment to include the incen-
tives in the energy bill. (Roll Call #223). PRO ENVI-
RONMENT VOTE: YES
6. Energy: Improve Gas Mileage Standards- Cars
and light trucks account for 40 percent of the coun-
try’s oil consumption and 20% of our greenhouse
gas emissions. When fully implemented increasing
fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks to
35 mpg by 2020 would save 1.1 million barrels of oil
a day in 2020 and saved consumers $22 billion at the
gas pump, and substantially reduce global warm-
ing pollution. On June 21, 2007, by a vote of 62-32, In June 2007 the Senate passed an Energy bill that
the Senate voted to invoke cloture on the Energy bill included the first Congressional increase in fuel
that contained an increase in fuel economy. (Roll Call economy standards in over 30 years.
#225). PRO ENVIRONMENT VOTE: YES
1.1 million barrels of oil a day in 2020, save consum-
7. Energy: Improve Gas Mileage Standards (2nd ers $22 billion at the gas pumps, and substantially re-
Vote)- Cars and light trucks account for 40 percent duce global warming pollution. The renewable fuels
of the country’s oil consumption and 20% of our standard mandates the use of biofuels while ensuring
greenhouse gas emissions. When fully implemented that there are safeguards in place to protect the envi-
increasing fuel economy standards for cars and light ronment and public lands. On December 7, 2007, by
trucks to 35 mpg by 2020 would save 1.1 million bar- a vote of 53-42, the Senate failed to invoke cloture on
rels of oil a day in 2020 and saved consumers $22 bil- an energy bill that included an RES, renewable tax in-
lion at the gas pump, and substantially reduce global centives and increased fuel economy. (Roll Call #416).
warming pollution. On June 21, 2007, by a vote of PRO ENVIRONMENT VOTE: YES
65-27, the Senate passed an Energy bill that included
the first Congressional increase in fuel economy stan- 9. Energy: Extend Clean Energy Tax Incentives And
dards in over 30 years. (Roll Call #226). PRO ENVI- Raise Gas Mileage Standards- Increasing fuel econ-
RONMENT VOTE: YES omy standards for cars and light trucks to 35 mpg
by 2020 would save 1.1 million barrels of oil a day in
8. Energy: Create Renewable Energy And Gas Mile- 2020, save consumers $22 billion at the gas pumps,
age Standards- A national renewable electricity stan- and substantially reduce global warming pollution.
dard (RES) will substantially reduce global warming The renewable energy production tax credit, the so-
pollution while sparking a clean energy boom across lar investment tax credit, and other clean energy in-
the U.S. Extension of renewable energy production centives are set to expire at the end of this year. Un-
tax credits for four years and investment tax credits less Congress and the President act soon, the bright
for 8 years will further help the burdgeoning renew- light of the clean energy industry will likely be ex-
ables industry. Increasing fuel economy standards for tinguished for the short term and potentially cost the
cars and light trucks to 35 mpg by 2020 would save U.S. economy an estimated 116,000 jobs according
Environment New Mexico Legislative Scorecard 13to the American Wind Energy Associa- tion. On December 13, 2007, by a vote of 59-40, the Senate rejected a motion for cloture to proceed to an energy bill that combines renewable tax incentives and increased fuel economy. (Roll Call #425). PRO ENVIRONMENT VOTE: YES 10. Energy: Allow Vote To Extend Clean Energy Tax Incentives For Eco- nomic Stimulus- As one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S., the clean energy industry is a shining light in an otherwise lackluster economy. Unfortu- nately the renewable energy production tax credit and the solar investment tax credit are set to expire at the end of 2008. In June 2007 the Senate turned back an attempt to open up frag- Unless Congress and the President act ile coastline to increased offshore drilling. soon, the bright light of the clean energy industry will likely be extinguished for the short term clean energy incentives included in Senator Reid’s and potentially cost the U.S. economy an estimated stimulus package would not only stimulate the econ- 116,000 jobs according to the Solar Energy Industries omy in the short-term by continuing job creation and Association. On February 6, 2008, the Senate rejected spurring investment, but also would help solve glob- a motion for cloture on Senator Reid’s amendment to al warming and promote long-term development and the Recovery Rebates and Economic Stimulus for the growth in the clean energy technology industry. (Roll American People Act of 2008 by a 58-41 vote. The Call #8). PRO ENVIRONMENT VOTE: YES 14 Environment New Mexico Legislative Scorecard
HOUSE VOTE DESCRIPTIONS
1. Energy: End Subsidies For Big Oil And Fund Clean pollution produced by oil and gas driling by passing
Energy- More than 80% of America’s global warming an annual moratorium on expanding drilling to new
pollution comes from fossil fuels. Despite this, the oil areas. The moratorium, included in the annual Inte-
and gas industries still get enormous subsidies from rior Department appropriation bill, was challenged
the federal government. With gas prices rising closer by Rep. John Peterson (R-PA). The Peterson amend-
and closer to $4 a gallon, profits for Exxon alone rising ment would have allowed drilling for natural gas as
to about $40 billion, and natural gas prices skyrock- close as 25 miles off all coasts. On June 26, 2007 the
eting, these industries need no more incentives for House defeated the Peterson amendment by a vote
exploration or production. The CLEAN Energy Act of 233-196 (Roll Call #552). PRO ENVIRONMENT
of 2007 shifts $18 billion in subsidies from the largest VOTE: NO
oil and gas companies to the emerging clean energy
industries. On January 18, 2007, by a 264-163 vote, the 5. Oceans: Protect Coasts From Offshore Drilling
House passed this bill that would start investing in (2nd Vote)- Since 1982, Congress has protected Amer-
America’s vast reserves of renewable energy resourc- ica’s beaches and sensitive oceans from oil spills and
es and energy efficiency technologies. (Roll Call #40). the chronic pollution produced by oil and gas driling
PRO ENVIRONMENT VOTE: YES by passing an annual moratorium on expanding drill-
ing to new areas. The moratorium, included in the
2. Clean Water: Protect Our Waters From Sewage
Overflow- Water quality in the U.S. has significantly
improved since Congress passed the Clean Water Act
in 1972. EPA has projected that communities across
the country will need to spend $300-$400 billion over
the next 20 years to repair or upgrade sewage treat-
ment systems in order to sustain this progress. The
Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) provides
necessary federal funding to help communities to
make these improvements to their sewer systems.
The Water Quality Financing Act of 2007 (H.R. 720)
authorizes appropriations of $14 billion over the next
four years for the Clean Water SRF. On March 9, 2007,
by a 303-108 vote, the House passed the Water Qual-
ity Financing Act (Roll Call #135). PRO ENVIRON- In March 2007 the House passed legislation to
MENT VOTE: YES increase funding to protect our waters from sewage
overflow.
3. Global Warming: Preserve Funding for Global
Warming Research- After the Military Advisory annual Interior Department appropriation bill, was
Board, eleven retired three- and four-star admirals challenged by Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX). The Con-
and generals representing all four branches of the away amendment would have removed the morato-
U.S. Armed Forces, concluded that global warming rium on oil and gas drilling off the eastern seaboard
poses a serious threat to national security, the intelli- from Florida to Delaware starting three miles off our
gence authorization bill (H.R. 2082) required the gov- sensitive beaches. On June 26, 2007 the Conaway
ernment to produce a National Intelligence Estimate amendment was defeated by a vote of 264-167 (Roll
on global warming. Representative Peter Hoekstra Call #553). PRO ENVIRONMENT VOTE: NO
(R-MI) offered an amendment to strike this require-
ment from the bill. On May 11, 2007, the House re- 6. Global Warming: Maintain Pollution-Reduction
jected the amendment by a vote of 185-230 (Roll call Goals- The science is clear that we must quickly re-
#337). PRO ENVIRONMENT VOTE: NO duce global warming emissions from cars, power
plants, and other sources in order to protect future
4. Oceans: Protect Coasts From Offshore Drilling- generations from the worst effects of global warming.
Since 1982, Congress has protected America’s beach- The Interior-Environment appropriations bill (H.R.
es and sensitive oceans from oil spills and the chronic 2643) included a non-binding Sense of the Congress
Environment New Mexico Legislative Scorecard 15resolution, calling for mandatory limits to “slow, stop, other sources. A federal renewable electricity stan-
and reverse” global warming emisisons. Representa- dard would spur investment in renewable energy,
tive Joe Barton (R-TX) offered a motion to strike the reduce global warming pollution and help us achieve
resolution from the bill. On June 26, 2007, the House a new, clean energy future. On August 4, 2007, by a
defeated the motion by a vote of 153-274 (Roll call vote of 220-190, the House passed an amendment by
#555). PRO ENVIRONMENT VOTE: NO Representative Tom Udall (D-NM) to include a fed-
eral renewable electricity standard to the energy bill.
7. Preservation: Block Funding for New Roads in (Roll Call #827). PRO ENVIRONMENT VOTE: YES
Tongass National Forest- As the largest national for-
est in the country, Alaska’s Tongass National Forest is 9. Energy: Create Renewable Energy And Energy
frequently seen as the crown jewel of the national for- Efficiency Standards- America is too dependent on
est system. In 2001, much of the forest was protected dirty energy sources such as coal and nuclear power. A
by the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which pro- renewable electricity standard that requires states to
tected 58.5 million acres of roadless forests across the increase their use of renewable energy such as wind,
country. In a lawsuit, the Bush administration settled solar, biomass and geothermal is a proven policy that
with the State of Alaska to remove the Tongass from will spur investment in renewable technology, create
the Roadless Rule. Still, there is a $10 billion back- new high paying green jobs and move us down the
log in repairing and maintaining roads in national road towards a clean energy future. Energy efficiency
forests. To stop taxpayer dollars from being used to is the quickest and cheapest way to make significant
reductions in greenhouse gas emissions
and increase our energy security. Ag-
gressive targets for strengthening federal
building codes, reforming Department of
Energy authority to issue energy efficien-
cy standards for appliance and equipment
products, and establishing new efficiency
standards for products such as light bulbs,
dishwashers, and clothes washers would
help us reduce our energy consumption
and reduce our global warming emis-
sions. On August 4, 2007, by a vote of 241-
172, the House passed an energy bill that
combines a renewable electricity standard
with efficiency provisions. (Roll Call #832).
PRO ENVIRONMENT VOTE: YES
In November 2007 the House voted to protect the Grand Can-
yon from toxic mining. 10. Preservation: Protect the Grand Can-
yon From Toxic Mining- The Grand Can-
build new roads in the Tongass National Forest, Rep- yon faces the growing threat of hardrock mining
resentative Robert Andrews (D-NJ) and Representa- polluting the national park. The rising price of gold
tive Steve Chabot (R-OH) introduced an amendment and growing demand for uranium is pushing mining
to the Interior Appropriations bill that would prevent companies to stake claims next to Grand Canyon Na-
the Forest Service from spending money on building tional Park and other national parks across the West.
new roads in the Tongass National Forest. On June The current mining law, known as the 1872 Mining
26, 2007, by a 283-145 vote, the House voted to pass Law, leaves the government powerless to stop al-
the amendment (Roll Call #563). PRO ENVIRON- most any mine, regardless of the impact to parks, for-
MENT VOTE: YES ests, or any public lands. To reform the 136 year old
law, Representative Nick Rahall (D-WV) introduced
8. Energy: Create National Renewable Electricity H.R. 2262, The Hardrock Mining and Reclamation
Standard- America is too dependent on dirty energy Act of 2007 which would protect the Grand Canyon
sources such as coal and nuclear power. Twenty six from toxic mining. On November 1, 2007, by a 244-
states have now passed a renewable electricity stan- 166 vote, the House voted to pass the bill (Roll Call
dard to require an increasing amount of energy from #1033). PRO-ENVIRONMENT VOTE: YES
clean renewable energy from the wind, sun, crops and
16 Environment New Mexico Legislative Scorecard11. Energy: Improve Gas Mileage Stan-
dards And Create Renewable Electric-
ity Standard- America is too dependent
on dirty energy sources such as coal and
nuclear power. A national renewable elec-
tricity standard will substantially reduce
global warming pollution while sparking
a clean energy boom across the U.S. Ex-
tension of renewable energy production
tax credits for four years and investment
tax credits for 8 years will further help the
burdgeoning renewables industry. Increas-
ing fuel economy standards for cars and
light trucks to 35 mpg by 2020 would save
1.1 million barrels of oil a day in 2020, save
consumers $22 billion at the gas pumps,
and substantially reduce global warming In February 2008 the House passed legislation to extend criti-
pollution. New efficiency standards for cal tax incentives to encourage development of America’s vast
products such as light bulbs, dishwash- reserves of renewable energy resources and energy efficiency
ers, and clothes washers help us reduce technologies.
our energy consumption and reduce our energy from dirty fossil fuels. Despite this the oil and
global warming emissions. On December 6, 2007, by gas industries still get enormous subsidies from the
a vote of 235-181, the House passed an energy bill that federal government. With gas prices rising closer and
combines a renewable electricity standard, renewable closer to $4 a gallon, profits for Exxon alone rising
tax incentives, increased fuel economy and efficiency about $40 billion, and natural gas prices skyrocket-
provisions. (Roll Call #1140). PRO ENVIRONMENT ing these industries need no more incentives for ex-
VOTE: YES ploration or production. The Renewable Energy and
Energy Conservation act of 2008 shifts some of these
12. Energy: Defend Green Building Requirements subsidies from the largest oil and gas companies to
In Federal Grants- Buildings consume about 40 per- the emerging clean energy industries. On February
cent of the total energy used in the United States, and 27, 2008, by a 236-182 vote, the House passed this bill
are responsible for about 40 percent of all U.S. carbon that extend critical tax incentives to encourage de-
dioxide emissions. The initial building design and velopment of America’s vast reserves of renewable
construction provides the best and most cost-effec- energy resources and energy efficiency technologies.
tive opportunity to deploy energy-efficient features By harnessing renewable energy sources like wind,
that will last for the lifetime of the building and save solar, and clean biofuels, we can secure our economy
energy and reduce costs The HOPE VI Improvement and create jobs. By promoting technologies to save
and Reauthorization Act of 2007, H.R. 2534, required energy, we can dramatically reduce our dependence
federally-funded housing developments and com- on oil and save consumers money. (Roll Call #84).
munity revitilizations for the low income, frail and PRO ENVIRONMENT VOTE: YES
elderly to meet residential and commercial buildings
criteria for efficiency. On January 17, 2008, by a 169-
240 vote, the House defeated an Amendment offered
by Representative Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) that
would have weakened these provisions by making
them voluntary, deleted the definition of specific
green criteria and goals and allowed the Secretary to
choose any private industry backed standard for vol-
untary compliance even if the standard has little pub-
lic health or environmental benefit. (Roll Call #16).
PRO ENVIRONMENT VOTE: NO
13. Energy: Extend Clean Energy Incentives by Cut-
ting Subsidies to Big Oil- America gets 86% of its
Environment New Mexico Legislative Scorecard 172008 New Mexico Legislative Scorecard
Environment New Mexico has compiled this legislative scorecard as a tool to educate New Mexico
citizens about the voting records of their elected officials. Of the hundreds of bills voted on in New
Mexico’s House and Senate, we identified a few key votes that will have the greatest impact on New
Mexico’s environment and public health. Short descriptions of each bill can be found on page 21, and
more details are available on our Web site.
KEY
We have scored both floor votes and committee votes, since many (+) Vote for the environment
important issues are decided at the committee level and are not voted on (–) Vote against the environment
by all legislators. Blanks on the scorecard indicate that the legislator does (E) Excused from vote
not serve on the committee and therefore did not cast a vote. Additionally, (A) Unexcused absence
sponsors of scored legislation have received a (+) or (–) vote if they did ( ) Not on committee, did not
not otherwise cast a vote on the floor. vote
State Senate Votes
2008
Senator (Party) Dist. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Score
Sen. Rod Adair (R) 33 + – – – + – – 29%
Sen. Vernon D. Asbill (R) 34 + – – – – 20%
Sen. Sue Wilson Beffort (R) 19 + + – – + 60%
Sen. Mark Boitano (R) 18 – + – – – A – 14%
Sen. Pete Campos (D) 8 + + + – A 60%
Sen. Joseph J. Carraro (R) 23 + + – + A – 50%
Sen. Carlos R. Cisneros (D) 6 + + + – + 80%
Sen. Kent L. Cravens (R) 21 + – – E – – – 17%
Sen. Dianna J. Duran (R) 40 – + E – + – + – – 38%
Sen. Dede Feldman (D) 13 + + + + + + + 100%
Majority Whip Mary Jane M. Garcia (D) 36 + + + – A 60%
Sen. Phil A. Griego (D) 39 + + – + + E – + 71%
Sen. John T.L. Grubesic (D) 25 + + + + + + E 100%
Sen. Clinton D. Harden, Jr. (R) 7 + – + + E – – 50%
Minority Floor Leader Stuart Ingle (R) 27 – + – – – + – – 25%
President Pro Tem Timothy Z. Jennings (D) 32 + – A – + – – – 25%
Sen. Gay G. Kernan (R) 42 + + – – – 40%
Sen. Steve Komadina (R) 9 + – + – – – – + 38%
Sen. Carroll H. Leavell (R) 41 + – – – – 20%
Sen. Linda M. Lopez (D) 11 + + A + + + + 86%
Sen. Lynda M. Lovejoy (D) 22 A – + + + 60%
Sen. Richard C. Martinez (D) 5 + E + + + – + 83%
Sen. Cisco McSorley (D) 16 + + + + + + + + 100%
Sen. Howie C. Morales (D) 28 A + – – + 40%
Sen. Cynthia Nava (D) 31 + + – + + – E 67%
Sen. Steven P. Neville (R) 2 + + – – A 40%
Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Pino (D) 12 + + – + E + + 83%
18 Environment New Mexico Legislative Scorecard2008
Senator (Party) Dist. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Score
Sen. Mary Kay Papen (D) 38 + + + – – 60%
Sen. William H. Payne (R) 20 + – + – – – + 43%
Sen. John Pinto (D) 3 A + + + + + 83%
Sen. Lidio G. Rainaldi (D) 4 + + – + – + 67%
Minority Whip Leonard Lee Rawson (R) 37 + – – + – 40%
Sen. Shannon Robinson (D) 17 + + + + + – + 86%
Sen. Nancy Rodriguez (D) 24 + + + – + 80%
Sen. John C. Ryan (R) 10 + + + – – + 67%
Sen. Bernadette M. Sanchez (D) 26 – + + + – + 67%
Majority Leader Michael S. Sanchez (D) 29 + E + + + + 100%
Sen. William E. Sharer (R) 1 A A A E – – 0%
Sen. John Arthur Smith (D) 35 A + + – – 40%
Sen. Diane H. Snyder (R) 15 – + E + + – + 67%
Sen. James G. Taylor (D) 14 + + – + + + – + 75%
Sen. David Ulibarri (D) 30 + A – – + 40%
State House Votes
2008
Representative (Party) Dist. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Score
Rep. Thomas Anderson (R) 29 – + – – – + – 29%
Rep. Janice Arnold–Jones (R) 24 + + + – – – + – 50%
Rep. Paul Bandy (R) 3 + + – – + + + 71%
Rep. Elias Barela (D) 8 + + + – + + + + + 89%
Rep. Andrew Barreras (D) 7 – + – – – + – – 25%
Rep. Ray Begaye (D) 4 – + – – A – + 29%
Rep. Richard Berry (R) 20 – + E – + + – 50%
Rep. Donald Bratton (R) 62 – + – – A + – 29%
Rep. Jose Campos (D) 63 – + – – – E + + 43%
Rep. Joseph Cervantes (D) 52 + + E – + + E + + 86%
Rep. Gail Chasey (D) 18 + E + + E + + E + + 100%
Rep. Ernest Chavez (D) 12 – + – E – + + + 57%
Rep. Nathan Cote (D) 53 + + + – + + – + 75%
Rep. Anna Crook (R) 64 – + – E – A + – 29%
Rep. Nora Espinoza (R) 59 – + – – – + – 29%
Rep. Candy Spence Ezzell (R) 58 + + – – A + – 43%
Min. Whip Daniel Foley (R) 57 – + – – – – – + A 22%
Rep. Justine Fox–Young (R) 30 – A – – – A + – 13%
Rep. Mary Helen Garcia (D) 34 + + – – + A + 57%
Rep. Miguel P. Garcia (D) 14 + + – + + – E 67%
Rep. Thomas Garcia (D) 68 – + – – – + + + 50%
Rep. Keith Gardner (R) 66 – + + – – – + – 38%
Rep. Roberto Gonzales (D) 42 – + – – – + + + 50%
Environment New Mexico Legislative Scorecard 192008 Representative (Party) Dist. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Score Rep. William Gray (R) 54 – + + – – – + – 38% Rep. Joni Marie Gutierrez (D) 33 A + – + + – + 57% Rep. Jimmie Hall (R) 28 – + – – – + – 29% Rep. Dianne Miller Hamilton (R) 38 + + – – – + – 43% Rep. George Hanosh (D) 6 E E E E E E E E n/a Rep. John Heaton (D) 55 – + – – A + + 43% Rep. Dona Irwin (D) 32 – + – E – + + – 43% Rep. Rhonda King (D) 50 + + – + + – + 71% Rep. Larry Larranaga (R) 27 – + – – – + – 29% Rep. Antonio Lujan (D) 35 + + – + + – + 71% Speaker Ben Lujan (D) 46 – + – – A + – + 38% Rep. Patricia Lundstrom (D) 9 A + – – + + + 57% Rep. James Roger Madalena (D) 65 – + – – A E + 33% Rep. Antonio Maestas (D) 16 + + + – + + + + + 89% Rep. Rodolpho Martinez (D) 39 – + – A + + + + 63% Maj. Floor Ldr. Ken Martinez (D) 69 + + + – – A E – + 50% Rep. Kathy McCoy (R) 22 + + – – A + + 57% Rep. Rick Miera (D) 11 – + – + + – + 57% Rep. Brian Moore (R) 67 – + – – – + – 29% Rep. Andy Nunez (D) 36 – + – – – – + + 38% Rep. Al Park (D) 26 + + + – + + + + + 89% Rep. John Pena (D) 5 – + – – – – + + 38% Rep. Danice Picraux (D) 25 + + – + + + + 86% Rep. Jane Powdrell–Culbert (R) 44 – A – A – A + A 13% Rep. William Rehm (R) 31 – + + – – A – + – 33% Rep. Debbie Rodella (D) 41 + + – – – A + – 38% Rep. Henry “Kiki” Saavedra (D) 10 – + – – A + A 29% Rep. Nick Salazar (D) 40 – + – – E E + 40% Rep. Edward Sandoval (D) 17 – A – E – + + + 43% Rep. Daniel Silva (D) 13 – + E A + + A 50% Maj. Whip Sheryl W. Stapleton (D) 19 – E – + + E + 60% Rep. Jeff Steinborn (D) 37 + + – + + + + 86% Rep. Mimi Stewart (D) 21 + + + – + + + – + 78% Rep. James Strickler (R) 2 – + + E – – + – 43% Rep. Thomas Swisstack (D) 60 – + E – + + E + E 67% Min. Floor Ldr. Thomas Taylor (R) 1 – A + E A – – + A 25% Rep. Don Tripp (R) 49 – + – – A + – 29% Rep. Jim Trujillo (D) 45 – + – – – + – + 38% Rep. Shirley Tyler (R) 61 – + – – – + – 29% Rep. Luciano Varela (D) 48 – + – + + + + 71% Rep. Gloria Vaughn (R) 51 + + – – – – + – + – 40% Rep. Richard Vigil (D) 70 – + – A – + + + 50% 20 Environment New Mexico Legislative Scorecard
2008
Representative (Party) Dist. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Score
Rep. Jeannette Wallace (R) 43 + + – – A + + 57%
Rep. W.C. Williams (R) 56 – + – – – + – 29%
Rep. Peter Wirth (D) 47 + + – + + + + 86%
Rep. Eric Youngberg (R) 23 – + – E – E – + – 29%
Rep. Teresa Zanetti (R) 15 – + E – – – – + – 25%
Bill Summaries
House Votes (bill number and sponsor in parentheses)
1. Stop Sprawl Subsidies (HB 276—Silva): A bill to authorize $629 million in taxpayer money for sprawling de-
velopment on Albuquerque’s west mesa. Withdrawn from Senate Floor. Pro-environment vote: OPPOSE.
2. Energy Efficiency (HB 305—Lujan): A bill to require utilities to meet a 10 percent energy savings by 2020.
Passed both chambers and signed by the governor. Pro-environment vote: SUPPORT.
3. Stop Sprawl Subsidies (HB 451—Barela): A bill to close loopholes in greenfield tax increment financing.
Tabled in committee. Pro-environment vote: SUPPORT.
4. Outdoor Ed. for Healthy Kids (HB 583—Chasey): A bill to place a 1 percent tax on video games and televi-
sions to pay for outdoor education programs. Tabled in committee. Pro-environment vote: SUPPORT.
5. Prevent Coal Subsidies (HJM 7—Begaye): A memorial to create a study to examine eliminating the coal sur-
tax. Died in Senate. Pro-environment vote: OPPOSE.
6. No More Nuclear Waste (HJM 8—Heaton): A memorial to urge the U.S. Dept. of Energy to allow more nuclear
waste to be stored in New Mexico. Tabled in committee. Pro-environment vote: OPPOSE.
7. Stop Sale of Public Lands (HJM 29—Anderson): A memorial to support the sale of public lands to generate
tax revenue. Failed on House floor. Pro-environment vote: OPPOSE.
8. Stop Regulatory Rollbacks (HJR 12—Foley): This resolution would have allowed the Legislature to prohibit
regulatory rules from taking effect until approved by the Legislature. Died in committee. Pro-environment vote:
OPPOSE.
9. Protect New Mexico’s Water (SB 227—Griego): Allows the Interstate Stream Commission to acquire water
rights without buying land to meet Pecos River Compact obligations. Passed Legislature and signed by the gover-
nor. Pro-environment vote: SUPPORT.
10. Study ORV Impact (SJM 40—Feldman): A memorial to study problems associated with off-road vehicles on
New Mexico’s public lands. Passed both chambers. Pro-environment vote: SUPPORT.
Senate Votes (bill number and sponsor in parentheses)
1. Stop Regulatory Rollbacks (SB 57—B. Sanchez): A bill to establish a taskforce to review the state’s regu-
latory agencies. The bill could have weakened New Mexico’s environmental agencies and programs. Tabled in
committee. Pro-environment vote: OPPOSE.
2. Protect New Mexico’s Water (SB 227—Griego): A memorial to prevent unnecessary withdrawal of water from
the Estancia Basin. Passed both chambers and signed by the governor. Pro-environment vote: SUPPORT.
3. Stop Sprawl Subsidies (SB 434—McSorley): A bill to explore a moratorium on greenfield tax increment
development districts, which divert tax dollars to allow developers to pay for new development. Pro-environment
vote: SUPPORT.
4. Stop Regulatory Rollbacks (SJR 7—Ingle): A resolution to amend New Mexico’s constitution to allow the
Legislature to prohibit regulatory rules from taking effect. The resolution would have brought environmental rule-
making to a screeching halt. Tabled in committee. Pro-environment vote: OPPOSE.
5. Protect New Mexico’s Water (SJM 17—Beffort): See description above.
6. Stop Sale of Public Lands (SJM 21—Carraro): A memorial to support the sale of federal public lands to pro-
vide additional tax revenue. Tabled in committee. Pro-environment vote: OPPOSE.
7. Study ORV Impacts (SJM 40—Feldman): See description above.
8. Protect Clean Water Act (SM 46—Komadina): A memorial to urge Rep. Tom Udall to withdraw his support
for the Clean Water Restoration Act, a bill to protect the water quality of New Mexico’s rivers, streams and lakes.
Tabled in committee. Pro-environment vote: OPPOSE.
9. Stop Sprawl Subsidies (HB 276—Silva): See description above.
10. Energy Efficiency (HB 305—Lujan): See description above.
Environment New Mexico Legislative Scorecard 2122 Environment New Mexico Legislative Scorecard
Environment New Mexico Legislative Scorecard 23
State Headquarters Mailing Address: PO Box 40173 Albuquerque, NM 87196 Federal Advocacy Office: 218 D Street SE, 2nd Floor Washington, DC 20003 www.EnvironmentNewMexico.org 24 Environment New Mexico Legislative Scorecard
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