Many state lawmakers faced a harsh critique of their environmental records with the release of the N.C. League of Conservation Voters’ 2014 legislative scorecard.
Dan Crawford, governmental relations director, said the most notable takeaway from the scorecard is an average score of zero for Senate Republicans.
“I think that shows the ideological shift that is being experienced right now in the General Assembly,” Crawford said. “It’s not just something that environmentalists are facing, but it’s clear as night and day.”
Twelve state legislators, all Democrats, earned perfect scores.
The partisan divide was not so marked among New Hanover County representatives. Rep. Rick Catlin, R-New Hanover, received a score of 25 compared to an average score of eight for his fellow House Republicans.
Rep. Ted Davis, Jr., R-New Hanover, received a zero.
The league gave Rep. Susi Hamilton, D-New Hanover, a score of 64.
Scores were calculated using votes cast by lawmakers during the 2014 short session, mainly on amendments and readings of two major pieces of environmental legislation: the Energy Modernization Act, which lifted a moratorium on permits for hydraulic fracturing (or fracking) while leaving some regulations on the process undecided, and the Coal Ash Management Act, which established guidelines and requirements for cleanup of coal ash ponds at 14 Duke Energy sites across the state.
Catlin and Hamilton voted against the Energy Modernization Act during a third reading of the bill, calling the process too rushed.
“I think we’re moving too fast. More information is needed. … There’s a lot in that bill that really opens us up to the oil and gas industry in an aggressive way, and I think we should be more cautious with our natural resources,” Hamilton said.
“There’s just not enough natural gas in North Carolina to rush this process,” Catlin said.
Davis voted for the Energy Modernization Act during its third reading.
Crawford called the Coal Ash Management Act a missed opportunity to thoroughly address coal ash at all Duke Energy sites.
Catlin, Hamilton and Davis voted to approve the Coal Ash Management Act, although Catlin and Hamilton admitted their approval was not wholehearted.
“If we didn’t start with some management plan, I felt like we were headed toward gridlock on the issue and nothing was going to be done. It was a tough vote, but when we get back into the long session, there will probably be some adjustments made to strengthen it,” Hamilton said.
Catlin said he is already working with the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Duke and the Coal Ash Management Commission to negotiate timelines and priority designations in the law.
Former Sen. Thom Goolsby, R-District 9, received a score of zero for his record on both bills. Goolsby resigned in August, before the short session adjourned. Michael Lee, Republican candidate for the seat, was selected to serve the remainder of Goolsby’s term through January, when Democratic contender Elizabeth Redenbaugh could unseat him.
Redenbaugh, who listed clean air, water and land as top priorities, said the low score bestowed upon Senate Republicans was appropriate. She wondered if Lee would act outside his party’s agenda, if elected.
“I think he owes his party and will not be able to break from that status quo,” Redenbaugh said.
Crawford was also skeptical that a freshman lawmaker would challenge the party’s position by aggressively supporting conservation.
“I think a freshman member of the majority party isn’t going to go in and cause a big ruckus and rattle a lot of cages. I don’t think there’s any reason to think his score, moving forward, would be much different than other Senate Republicans. They are lock, stock and barrel together,” Crawford said.
Lee acknowledged some disagreement between Democrats and Republicans on environmental issues, but said differences did not seem irreconcilable. He said he is not afraid to challenge his party when necessary, though.
“Any perceived lack of support by my party on any issue would not prevent me from standing up for what I believe in,” Lee said.
Lee, like Hamilton and Catlin, recognized shortfalls in the Coal Ash Management Act but applauded lawmakers for working together to get legislation in place. He said he is already working with other legislators to improve the law when the legislature reconvenes.
Catlin, who is finishing a freshman term in the General Assembly, supported Lee’s candidacy. He confirmed Lee’s understanding of many important environmental issues.
“I think he will bring a good, fresh perspective,” Catlin said.
The scorecard is only one tool in evaluating a lawmaker’s environmental record, Crawford said. He recognized some representatives, including Catlin, act behind the scenes to improve environmental legislation.
Crawford said the rise in low scores for Republican lawmakers since 2012 prompted the league to work more closely with legislators to promote bipartisan support for environmental issues.
“The environment should not be a partisan issue. It should be more about doing what’s right for our natural resources. …. We can build and grow an economy that does not short-change the environment,” Crawford said.
The 2014 legislative scorecard is available online at
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