Idaho’s conservation record

On Feb. 27, the League of Conservation Voters released its 2018 National Environmental Scorecard. It scores members of Congress on their voting record on conservation issues.

Wondering how Idaho’s delegation scored? Drum roll, please.

On a scale from 0 to 100, with 0 being anti-conservation and 100 being a conservation champion: Rep. Simpson scored 14, former Rep. Labrador scored 6 and both Sens. Crapo and Risch scored 7s.

That being said, there are some recent votes to celebrate. Rep. Simpson and both Sens. Risch and Crapo voted to reauthorize funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which funds a plethora of projects throughout Idaho, from public parks to boat ramps to trail systems and more. All three also voted for the largest public lands bill in decades, protecting millions of square miles for future generations. Those are critical votes for Idaho’s environment.

A recent Colorado College poll showed 68 percent of Idahoans consider themselves conservationists. Idaho’s delegation still has a lot of work to do to bring their votes more in line with those pro-conservation folks throughout the state. Conservation Voters for Idaho has committed to work with them to do so.

Chris Parri

Boise, Idaho