Do you know if you legislators voted to give more tax breaks to the oil and gas industry? Did they stand up for your right to vote? Did they vote to fund much-needed health studies in western New Mexico communities that are literally living next to toxic waste? You can find the answers to these questions and more in CVNM’s 2015-2016Conservation Scorecard.

Your legislators in the state Senate and House of Representatives work for you.They have a responsibility to represent your values. You can ensure they do by learning how they vote on issues important to you and letting them know how they’re doing.

The first step towards getting solid environmental policies passed is letting your legislators know that you’re paying attention. Here’s how:

STEP 1: Visit CVNM’s newly released Conservation Scorecard to find out how your legislators voted on critical conservation issues in 2015 and 2016. Find out your legislators’ score.>>

STEP 2: Ensure that your elected officials know that you are closely watching how they vote on the conservation issues most important to you. Send your legislators a message today.>>

There are a few interesting trends showing up in the Scorecard data. Fewer legislators earned a 100% score and fewer earned 0% scores this year. That means we’re working our way toward common ground.

There is a strong cohort of newer legislators, elected in 2012, that are demonstrating their commitment to protecting your health and environment. Representative Wonda Johnson from House District 5 in western New Mexico scored her second 100% in as many years in office. Senator Bill Soules from Senate District 37 in Las Cruces scored his second 100% in a row. Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero from House District 13 in Bernalillo County has never missed a vote and continues her 100% streak. There are so many more great examples – visit our Scorecard website and learn more about your legislators’ record.

While some lawmakers continued to vote to protect New Mexico’s air, land and water, others sided with polluting industries by repeatedly supporting anti-conservation measures. In both cases, it’s important that they hear from their constituents. They need to know that issues impacting our health and environment must be a top priority in the state legislature.

If your legislators scored well on our Conservation Scorecard, it’s important to thank them and to support them. If you feel you weren’t well-represented by your legislators’ votes, it’s important tohold them accountable by letting them know what you think about their votes.

Find out your legislators’ score and tell your legislators what you think about how they vote on conservation issues and what they score on CVNM’s Conservation Scorecard.>>