FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Contact: Katie Todd; katie@nclcv.org; 919.244.5868
New leadership needed to protect North Carolina’s natural resources
Conservation PAC endorses 25 pro-conservation candidates for November election
RALEIGH: Today, the NC League of Conservation Voters’ Conservation PAC, which works to elect a pro-conservation majority at the state legislature and other key offices, proudly endorses 25 candidates running for office in the upcoming November General Election. Each candidate recognizes the importance of protecting and preserving North Carolina’s environment, which benefits the state’s economy and the quality of life for all North Carolina citizens.
“After another legislative session where elected officials proposed gutting clean air and water safeguards, attempted to dismantle North Carolina’s clean energy sector, and failed to hold polluters accountable for cleaning up toxic coal ash, the need for pro-conservation leaders is crystal clear,” said Dan Crawford, NCLCV’s director of governmental relations. “We support candidates who will prioritize public health and environmental protections during their time in Raleigh – a stark contrast to many current elected officials.”
After defeating three anti-environmental legislators in 2014, Conservation PAC wants to continue this trend in 2016, ensuring that candidates willing to fight for clean water, healthy air, and renewable energy emerge victorious in their November contests.
“We endorse leaders who demonstrate a commitment to the people and natural resources of North Carolina,” Crawford added. “Future generations are counting on us to preserve this special place, and we take that responsibility seriously, as do the candidates who receive our support.”
Conservation PAC proudly endorses the following candidates:
North Carolina House
Joe Parrish – HD2 (Granville, Person)
Charlie Pat Farris – HD8 (Pitt, Wilson)
Brian Farkas – HD9 (Pitt)
Steve Unger – HD16 (Onslow, Pender)
Rich Nixon – HD26 (Johnston)
Terence Everitt – HD35 (Wake)
Jen Ferrell – HD36 (Wake)
Joe John – HD40 (Wake)
Rep. Gale Adcock – HD41 (Wake)
Cynthia Ball – HD49 (Wake)
Rep. Brad Salmon – HD51 (Harnett, Lee)
Mary Belk – HD88 (Mecklenburg)
Chaz Beasley – HD92 (Mecklenburg)
Sue Counts – HD93 (Ashe, Watauga)
Rochelle Rivas – HD103 (Mecklenburg)
Rep. John Ager – HD115 (Buncombe)
Rep. Brian Turner – HD116 (Buncombe)
Rhonda Schandevel – HD118 (Haywood, Madison, Yancey)
North Carolina Senate
Brownie Futrell – SD1 (Beaufort, Camden, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hyde, Pasquotank, Perquimans)
Susan Evans – SD17 (Wake)
Gil Johnson – SD18 (Franklin, Wake)
Toni Morris – SD19 (Cumberland)
Michael Garrett – SD27 (Guilford)
Jane Hipps – SD50 (Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain)
Council of State
Sen. Josh Stein – Attorney General
Before the March primary, Conservation PAC endorsed Attorney General Roy Cooper for Governor, citing his consistent record of defending clean air and water protections both during his time in the NC General Assembly as well his in his current role of Attorney General.
“Attorney General Cooper is the candidate who will work tirelessly to protect our quality of life and invest in a clean, renewable energy future,” said Crawford. “After four years of Pat McCrory putting polluters over people, North Carolina’s working families are ready for a change. Roy Cooper is the person to provide that change.”
Conservation PAC makes endorsement decisions based on the environmental voting and leadership record of incumbent legislators, issue questionnaires sent to candidates, and other background information. NCLCV releases an annual Legislative Scorecard revealing how elected officials vote on key environmental issues. The 2016 Scorecard will be available in September. Previous scorecards are available at nclcv.org.
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