FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 4, 2015
CONTACT: Dan Crawford, Director of Governmental Relations, NC League of Conservation Voters; dan@nclcv.org, 919-839-0020 or 919-539-1422
NC League of Conservation Voters Announces 2015 Green Tie Winners
RALEIGH – NC League of Conservation Voters announced today the recipients of its annual Green Tie Awards. The Green Tie Awards honor North Carolina legislators who have stepped up, spoken out, and carried water for environmental issues at the General Assembly. Whether it’s sponsoring legislation that protects our air and water, or being a consistent voice and vote for the health and safety of our communities, these awards are a way to recognize true environmental champions.
2015 Representative of the Year – Representative Joe Sam Queen
The Representative of the Year award recognizes Representative Queen for his vocal opposition on anti-environmental legislation and the consequences such bills would have on the health and safety of our communities. In particular, he has been a vocal force on strengthening the rules governing hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”).
2015 Rising Stars – Senators Jeff Jackson and Terry Van Duyn; Representatives Graig Meyer and Robert Reives II
This award recognizes new voices at the General Assembly who make the environment one of the issues they champion as they move into leadership positions.
It is worthy to note the absence of some other traditional awards the organization has bestowed in previous years, including Senator of the Year and Defender of the Environment. In reality, the majority of previous and current Green Tie award recipients would fall into the latter category as attacks to repeal sound environmental policies continue in Raleigh. Without their tireless efforts to offer amendments to offset potential harms and to educate fellow legislators, the state’s natural resources would fare even worse.
Official presentation of the awards will take place on May 27 at NCLCV’s Annual Green Tie Awards in downtown Raleigh. The event is attended by business, environmental, and political leaders from across the state and this year will feature Attorney General Roy Cooper as keynote speaker. Attorney General Cooper will speak on relevant environmental issues affecting the citizens of North Carolina, from cleaning up coal ash to persevering the treasured places of this state.
NC League of Conservation Voters is a statewide lobbying organization dedicated to protecting, preserving, and enhancing North Carolina’s natural environment. NCLCV has been working to protect North Carolina’s environment and our citizen’s health for over 45 years, turning environmental values into North Carolina priorities. NCLCV’s vision for the future of North Carolina is that all citizens and our elected decision-makers will better understand and appreciate North Carolina’s unique natural environment, and the integral role it plays in North Carolina’s economy and quality of life.
