Green scores drop in assembly

Maryland’s lawmakers aren’t as green as they were a year ago, but the economy is likely to blame, according to the state League of Conservation Voters’ annual report card on the lawmakers’ environmental voting record.

Scores dropped in the House and Senate, with fewer members getting perfect marks from the environmental lobbying group.

The group says the environment remains a top priority for Maryland lawmakers, but an economic downturn means less money for conservation efforts. For example, lawmakers this year because of declining tax revenues cut in half a $50 million fund designated to clean the Chesapeake Bay.

“Against the backdrop of an economic downturn - conservation scores dropped across the board,” said the group’s director, Cindy Schwartz.

The report card cited the lawmakers’ failure to pass a bill to cap carbon-dioxide emissions and their decision to extend by six months a deadline for soap makers to reduce phosphorus in dishwashing detergent, a move to improve water quality.

The group also pointed out environmental bills that became laws, but in weakened form. For example, the scorecard shows, most senators voted to weaken a new law governing development near the Bay and its tributaries by reducing a no-development buffer from 300 feet to 200 feet.

“This was a tough year,” Mrs. Schwartz said.

The group has scored General Assembly lawmakers on a 1 to 100 scale since 1979.

Sen. Douglas J.J. Peters, Prince George’s Democrat, said budget writers in the Democrat-controlled Assembly were so pressed that even keeping half of the $50 million for Bay restoration was “an incredible feat in itself.”

Delegate Steven R. Schuh, Anne Arundel Republican, agreed with the report, but said lawmakers could have devoted more money to the environment, but chose other priorities. He cited last year’s special session in which they approved $1.4 billion in new taxes.

“Very little of it went to the environment,” said Mr. Schuh, who added that Maryland spends more money building new highways than on Bay restoration efforts. Environmental concerns, he said, have “historically been among the lowest priorities in state spending.”

Environmental activists who attended the scorecard release last week said they doubt the state’s finances will turn around in the near future. But they were optimistic about more progress being made next year, especially in the District, where a new administration means new opportunities, no matter which party wins the White House.

“There’s no question there will be more action on Capitol Hill next year than ever before,” said Brad Heavner, director of Environment Maryland, which helps compile the scorecard.