Mark-Viverito Scores 100 on Environmental Scorecard

The New York League of Conservation Voters released its annual environmental scorecard for New York City Council members in 2012-2013, an evaluation of the members based on casting pro-environment votes or for co-sponsoring pro-environment legislation. The report lavishes praise on former speaker Christine Quinn, calling her “the most pro-environment speaker New York City has seen thus far,” noting Quinn’s achievements on solid waste management, food access, and green buildings.

Eleven Council members received perfect scores of 100, including Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer and Deputy Leader Brad Lander, while her progressive colleague Julissa Ferreras tied for the lowest score of 76, along with former Council members Peter Vallone Jr. and Dan Halloran.

“The City Council’s environmental performance for the last two years was very strong, as reflected by the high scores for the individual members as well as the broad range of issues that the Council addressed,” said NYLCV President Marcia Bystryn. “We are especially heartened that many members of the new leadership team—including the new City Council Speaker, Melissa Mark-Viverito—scored very highly. This bodes well for the environmental movement in this new era of city leadership.”