Hannon Earns 59 on Environmental Scorecard

In the only scorecard that grades New York State lawmakers according to their votes on environmental bills, EPL/Environmental Advocates gave Sen. Kemp Hannon, R-Garden City, on a scale of 50 to 99 a score of 59 in its annual Voters' Guide.

Scores are calculated using the ratings of EPL's sister organization, Environmental Advocates of New York, according to the report. Lawmakers can earn between one and three points respectively for votes in support of bills that received one, two or three "trees" - tree-rated bills are those deemed "environmentally beneficial."

Lawmakers can also earn between one and three points for voting against bills that were given a rating of one, two or three "smokestacks" - smokestack-rated bills are those deemed "detrimental to the environment."

Votes on priority “Super Bills” are given extra weight, according to the guide.

Among Hannon's Senate colleagues, the highest scores went to Kenneth LaValle, R-Mt. Sinai, who earned a 71, and Carl Marcellino, R-Oyster Bay, who received a 60.

Sen. Charles Fuschillo, R-Massapequa, also earned a 59 though Environmental Advocates honored him for supporting legislation aimed at reducing "wasteful water withdrawals" and "encouraging pedestrian-friendly communities."

It was a three-way tie for lowest score amongst state senators John Flanagan, R-Smithtown, Owen Johnson, R-Babylon, and Dean Skelos, R-Rockville Centre, whp all received a 55.

In the Assembly, on a scale between 40 and 105, Tom McKevitt, R-East Meadow, earned a 93; David McDonough, R-Bellmore, a 69; Joseph Saladino, R-Massapequa, an 83; Harvey Weisenberg, D-Long Beach, 105; and Brian Curran, R-Lynbrook, an 81.

"The Senate Republicans and Senator Hannon record on the environment is an unmitigated disaster,” said Senate Democratic Conference spokesman Mike Murphy. "These abysmal environmental grades are just a reminder why New York's environment is in danger every moment they are in power. Clearly, Sen. Hannon doesn’t believe we have an obligation to preserve the natural resources and open landscapes that make this the Empire State. As New Yorkers we cannot let that stand."

Sen. Hannon shot back, stating: "Sadly, Democrats attempt to mask their pro-tax, pro-MTA tax votes under the flawed cover of other issues. The Democrats' support of the MTA tax hurts Long Island and cuts into job growth. The recent move of Arrow Electronics from Long Island to Colorado is a telling statement to the economic disincentives inherent in the MTA payroll tax," he said.

"This latest political attack by a Democrat campaign group highlights a desperate attempt to cloak actual facts with a political cloud. Long Island, and New York, needs practical solutions to a failing economy; not political rhetoric."

For the complete scorecard, visit www.eplvotersguide.org.