PennEnvironment and Environment America Endorse Jason Altmire

PennEnvironment is partnering with Environment America to endorse Jason Altmire for reelection to the U.S House of Representatives. Congressman Altmire has been a consistent supporter of the environment, and is committed to further action for environmental protection once he returns to Congress. PennEnvironment and Environment America believe the 4th district race is important for strengthening the pro-environment majority for the 111th Congressional session and enabling us to bring about much-needed change in environmental policy. Reelecting Representative Altmire is essential for moving America forward on energy policy and stimulating national action on critical environmental issues such as global warming.

Congressman Altmire has served Pennsylvania’s 4th district in the U.S Congress since last year, and it is his pro-environment voting record while in Congress that gives us confidence that Rep. Altmire will continue to vote for and champion important environmental legislation once he returns to Washington, D.C.

In Congress, Representative Altmire has voted for the environment 100 percent of the time.  He has supported raising fuel efficiency (CAFE) standards for cars and trucks, and has supported instituting a Renewable Electricity Standard—both important steps toward reducing global warming pollution. [1] 

Congressman Altmire’s opponent does not have a dependable commitment to the environment.  When previously in Congress, Melissa Hart was one of only a handful of representatives to receive a single-digit score on the annual PennEnvironment scorecard. Most notably, she voted to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and opposed investment in renewable energy sources. [2] 

With powerful special interests, lobbyists for polluting industries, and a handful of anti-environmental votes in Congress blocking necessary reforms, Pennsylvania needs representatives willing to stand up for solutions to our energy problems and the challenge of global warming. Jason Altmire is a crucial part of the new leadership in our nation’s capital who will take on these difficult issues and enact meaningful reforms.  He has the experience, commitment and leadership essential to move Congress toward environmental solutions. Accordingly, PennEnvironment and Environment America support Jason Altmire for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives.

[1] Environment America Scorecard, 2008
[2] PennEnvironment Scorecard, 2005