NC League of Conservation Voters names Rep. Susan Fisher as 2013 Representative of the Year

Press release

From NC League of Conservation Voters

RALEIGH – NC League of Conservation Voters announced today the recipients of its annual Green Tie Awards. The Green Tie Awards honor legislators who have stepped up, spoken out, and carried water for environmental issues at the General Assembly. Whether it’s sponsoring pro-active legislation that will help clean up or protect our communities statewide, or being a consistent voice and vote for better environmental policies, these awards are a way to recognize the true environmental champions.

2013 Defender of the Environment – Representative Deborah Ross
The Defender of the Environment award honors Rep. Ross’ consistent willingness to defend against bad environmental legislation, the pollution lobby, and her commitment to taking a strong stand to defend our communities against environmental degradation.

2013 Senator of the Year – Senator Dan Blue
The Senator of the Year award recognizes Senator Blue’s consistent ability to prioritize protecting our environment when making hard decisions, his long-time and effective willingness to engage with the environmental community, and providing real leadership over the years on key issues at the intersection of environment and social justice.

2013 Representative of the Year – Representative Susan Fisher
The Representative of the Year award recognizes Rep. Fisher for her sponsorship and votes for sound environmental legislation, being proactive on environmental issues, and her notable environmental record.

Catalyst Award – Sue Sturgis, The Institute for Southern Studies
The Catalyst Award is presented to Sue Sturgis for her long history and strong commitment to educating the public about important environmental issues. Through her media coverage, she has taken exceptional action to create change and to bring attention to actions threatening North Carolina’s environment and quality of life.

Of particular interest this year is the absence of any Rising Stars. These awards recognize new voices at the General Assembly that North Carolina citizens can count on to ensure the environment is a priority. Environmental efforts were hit hard last session, and the anti-environmental theme is continuing this session. North Carolina needs stronger pro-environmental leadership from freshmen and sophomore decision-makers to fight or slow the onslaught of bad legislation.

Official presentation of the awards will take place on May 29 at NCLCV’s Annual Green Tie Awards Dinner in downtown Raleigh. The event is attended by business, environmental, and political leaders from across the 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 40 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.