Washington, DC -- Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) has received an A on the American Wilderness Coalition’s environmental scorecard for the 1st Session of the 108th Congress.  The votes scored included measures opening up the Alaska rainforest to logging, drilling in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge, and the creation of roads on public lands, all of which Lee opposed. The Coalition’s choice of votes was determined by representatives from a number of national and regional conservation groups, including The Wilderness Society, the Sierra Club, and the Alaska Wilderness League.

“Rep. Lee is a clear champion for wilderness who has consistently lent her voice and vote to support America’s wilderness areas and public lands,” said Melyssa Watson, Chair of American Wilderness Coalition Board.  “Rep. Lee’s A grade proves that she shares the environmental concerns of her constituents and is willing to fight for them.”

“I am honored to be given this grade by the American Wilderness Coalition Board,” said Lee.  “The last few years have been difficult for those of us who consider ourselves friends of the environment.  We have lived under an Administration that denies the existence of global warming and that believes our public lands are ripe for private development.  I appreciate the efforts of groups such as the American Wilderness Coalition to ensure the health and well-being of our irreplaceable lands.”

 

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