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 is proud to announce its endorsement of Rep. Christopher Shays (R) for reelection in ConnecticutÆs 4th Congressional district. ShayÆs outstanding 93% lifetime LCV rating places him in the top 5% of all U.S. House members.
"In the climate of energy crisis and dependence, Congressman Christopher Shays has been a leader in the fight to conserve resources and diversify our energy sources," said Deb Callahan, LCV President. "We are proud to endorse Shays for the 9th time. He has served the environment tirelessly during his time in Congress and we will work hard to make sure he stays in office to advocate for environmentally sound policy."
Shays has been a dedicated advocate in the fight to conserve natural resources and diversifying our energy sources. He voted against the Bush/Cheney energy bill because of clauses which will open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling and said, "I find it unconscionable that we would now consider despoiling one of North America's last great wilderness areas, when we are unwilling to take even the smallest steps towards slowing the growth in demand for energy resources." He has also been a strong voice in support of the development of renewable energy sources and increased fuel efficiency standards.
ShaysÆ strong pro-conservation positions define him as a leader among moderate Republicans. In 2003, Shays opposed a number of anti-environmental Bush Administration initiatives including the "Healthy Forest Initiative" and Clean Water Act exemptions for the oil and gas industry.
Shays has also been an important environmental leader on issues in his district. As a leader of the bipartisan Long Island Sound Caucus, he has worked to protect coastal areas along the estuary that have significant biological and recreational value.
Shays is Chairman of Global Legislators for a Balanced Environment (GLOBE) and Co-chair of the Congressional Green Scissors Caucus, which seeks to eliminate wasteful and environmentally harmful spending.
Shays received a 90% on LCVÆs 2003 National Environmental Scorecard and was named a LCV Environmental Champion in 2000 and 2002.
For information on all of LCVÆs endorsed candidates, visit our website at </Campaigns/CampaignsList.cfm?c=3>.
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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.
