In 2024, the nation was rocked by devastating hurricanes, deadly wildfires, extreme temperatures, and the hottest global temperatures on record (beating the previous record set just last year). Faced with a new political landscape and worsening effects of climate change, we need to know which lawmakers in Congress are fighting for us – and which are beholden to Big Polluters and other corporate interests.
To find out, LCV’s annual National Environmental Scorecard tracks the voting records of all members of Congress on critical issues and tallies their overall scores. Their scores indicate how well each member is voting to protect people and the planet – or if they are voting to protect polluters and special interests instead.
The Scorecard also provides an overview of major legislative wins and losses for climate and democracy. The just-released 2024 edition scores 33 House votes and 8 Senate votes on crucial issues including climate change, environmental and racial justice, clean energy, democracy, public health and more.
The 2024 National Environmental Scorecard shows House Republicans’ continued inability to fulfill basic government functions even with a majority, resulting in theleast productive Congress in history. This inaction contrasts with the Democrat-led Senate’s steady pace of confirming judges and progress toward passing a bipartisan funding agreement.
Over the last two years, the Republican-led House embraced chaos, dysfunction, and the most radical right-wing members of their caucus. In 2025, over just a few short (or really, really long) weeks, that chaos has become a deliberate and destructive cornerstone of the new administration as they seek to implement their dangerous and extreme agenda, all to enrich their billionaire buddies and fossil fuel executive donors.
We scored 33 anti-environmental or anti-democracy votes in the House, and 8 votes, half of which were on expert nominees and the other half on anti-environmental CRA resolutions or bills, in the Senate.
The average score for a member of Congress was 48%.
Voted against cleaner, safer air by voting no on air pollution limits for cars and trucks, and improving electricity transmission systems.
Tried to block support for domestic manufacturing that creates good, family-sustaining jobs for people across the country.
Approved funding freezes for affordable clean energy which lowers energy costs and addresses the climate crisis.
Voted multiple times to require onerous voter registration red tape and block efforts to make voting more accessible, making it more difficult – particularly for voters in historically excluded communities – to make their voices heard.
Voted to eliminate Endangered Species Act requirements for the military and protections for gray wolves.
Voted to end environmental justice and diversity, equity and inclusion programs that help communities most impacted by the climate crisis.
Unsuccessfully attempted to steal money from Farm Bill programs farmers rely on to feed our families and be good stewards of the land.
Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), collectively referred to as the Tri-Caucus, led and supported many climate, conservation, environmental justice, and equitable democracy bills and initiatives.
The Senate confirmed a total of 235 well-qualified federal judges for lifetime appointments, more than any other recent president and Senate in a four year period. The appointed judges reflect both a diversity of racial, economic, and identity backgrounds and a variety of professional experiences. Confirming pro-democracy, pro-environmental judges to lifetime positions is one way to ensure protections for our families, communities, and environment remain intact for generations to come.
What can I do to hold my members of Congress accountable?
As House Republicans’ chaos and radical pro-polluter policies spread to the Senate and executive branch, it is incredibly important that we hold our elected officials accountable for their votes on climate and democracy.
Together we can hold members of Congress accountable by thanking and supporting those who scored high marks for voting for people and the planet – and by demanding better from those who protect polluters and special interests.
Through contacting their offices to share your feedback and spreading the word on social media, you can make sure Congress knows their constituents want them to put communities first – and are watching their votes.
Contact your members of Congress:
Call the United States Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to get contact information for your members.
Did your members earn high scores?
Call them to express your gratitude that they are protecting our environment and our communities, and let them know you support their efforts to continue!
Use social media to show them public support and invite your networks to join in. Tag your members of Congress, use #LCVScorecard to join the conversation and share their scores on Bluesky, X, Instagram, and Facebook.
Did your members earn low scores?
Call them to express your disappointment that they are not protecting our environment and our communities, and tell them they must do better in order to earn your support.
Use social media to let your networks know they are prioritizing polluters and special interests over their constituents. Tag your members of Congress, use #LCVScorecard to join the conversation and share their scores on Bluesky, X, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
Get news on the current Congress and actions you can take
President Trump has called climate change a hoax and has shown that he’s willing to undo our movement’s progress addressing the climate crisis, along with access to clean air and water. Make your voice heard: Sign the petition telling Congress to stand strong and protect hard-won climate and environmental protections.
