CHICAGO – The Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) released its first ever Lifetime Environmental Scorecard Monday, chronicling the average score of all votes cast on bills affecting the environment by each sitting legislator over the course of their entire legislative career. Several members of the Senate Democratic Caucus are honorees.

Legislators in their first term were only scored on their votes in 2019, the first and only year they were able to vote on bills impacting the environment due to the disruption of the 2020 regular legislative session by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senate Democrats receiving a 90%+ lifetime score were: Cristina Castro, Laura M. Murphy, Steve Stadelman, Michael E. Hastings, Robert F. Martwick, Melinda Bush, Laura Fine, Elgie R. Sims, Jr., Bill Cunningham, Linda Holmes, Pat McGuire, Heather A. Steans, Mattie Hunter, Iris Y. Martinez, Don Harmon, Jacqueline Y. Collins and Sara Feigenholtz.

The following Senate Democrats received "emerging champion" awards for having a 100% score their freshman year: Ram Villivalam, Celina Villanueva, Robert Peters, Laura Ellman and Ann Gillespie.

“Senator Peters earned a 100% for their voting record on bills impacting the environment, using their power as a state legislator to protect and defend the people and environment in the district they represent,” said IEC Executive Director Jen Walling. “Senator Peters is an emerging environmental champion in the General Assembly, and the Illinois Environmental Council applauds their work protecting our environment in Illinois.”

“I will always support legislation that leads to a greener, more sustainable future for our communities, state, country and planet, and it’s an honor to be recognized by the Illinois Environmental Council for my dedication to this cause,” said Peters. “Climate change continues to pose an existential threat, and I vow to continue fighting alongside the IEC until the climate change crisis has been dealt with, no matter how long that may take.”

Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) has been honored with a 97.2% lifetime environmental score.

“I am honored to receive this recognition from the Illinois Environmental Council because I have always taken pride in how hard I fight for our environment,” Feigenholtz said. “I make it a priority to ensure capital funds are directed toward parks and other green spaces in the communities I represent, as well as toward institutions that provide environmental education like the Lincoln Park Zoo. I look forward to continuing a strong partnership with the IEC and keeping up the fight for our planet’s future.”

“Senator Sara Feigenholtz earned top marks for their lifetime pro-environmental voting record,” said IEC Executive Director Jen Walling. “Senator Feigenholtz is an environmental champion in the General Assembly, and we applaud their career-long legacy of protecting our environment in Illinois.”

A total of 64 state legislators received recognition for scoring 90% or higher over the course of their legislative careers, and 21 legislators scored a perfect 100% in their first year of recorded votes. IEC releases its scorecard in late summer of each year, and the 2020 version can be found here.