Contact: Chuck Porcari (cell: (240) 286-7566) or Mark Sokolove (cell: (703) 599-7656) or (202) 785-8683

WASHINGTON - The League of Conservation Voters (LCV), the political voice of the national environmental and conservation community, today announced its endorsement of former state Senator Joe Schwarz in the Republican primary contest for MichiganÆs 7th Congressional district.

"As a state legislator, Joe Schwarz has fought for sound environmental policies on behalf of Michigan families in the 7th district," said Betsy Loyless, LCV Vice President for Policy. "In particular, SchwarzÆs record as a strong supporter of protecting the Great Lakes, reducing air pollutants such as mercury, and ensuring the safety of water supplies in

Michigan communities will make him an important voice for quality of life issues and conservation in the U.S. House of Representatives."

As a member of the Michigan State Senate Appropriations Committee, Schwarz has consistently advocated for funds to restore and clean up the Great Lakes. In particular, Schwarz is concerned about the accumulation of mercury in Michigan bodies of water, which can contaminate various types of fish, including tuna. If elected, Schwarz would encourage adoption of tougher emissions standards for mercury than are currently proposed.

Schwarz has also supported sound energy policy through incentives for clean, alternative sources, such as hybrid and fuel cell technology.

- 30 -

The nonprofit League of Conservation Voters (LCV) is the political voice of the national environmental and conservation community. LCV, which is not a partisan organization, is the only national organization working full-time to hold Congress and the president accountable for their environmental actions. For more information, please visit us on the web at www.lcv.org.