On Thursday, environmental advocacy group League of Conservation Voters (LCV) endorsed Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR) in his re-election bid, calling the 17-term congressman "an environmental champion" and someone who "has been an invaluable leader in helping to combat the climate crisis, especially in the transportation sector." In a statement accepting LCV's endorsement, DeFazio highlighted some of his accomplishments regarding environmental issues, saying that he is "proud to be an original cosponsor of the Green New Deal, and in 2019, three of my bills were included in a comprehensive public lands package that has protected 30,000 acres of Oregon old growth forest, 250 miles of Oregon wild and scenic rivers, and 100,000 acres of critical salmon and steelhead habitat. As Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I’ve authored a 21st century infrastructure plan to transition our country to a fossil fuel-free future with a green jobs economy."
While DeFazio's legislative record on environmental issues appears to be strong, he is facing a primary challenge to his left from local community organizer and climate activist Doyle Canning, who believes he is not doing enough on the issue. Since launching her campaign, Canning has been endorsed by various environmental organizations, such as 350 Action, Climate Hawks Vote, and local chapters of the Sunrise Movement. Additionally, unlike DeFazio, she has signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge, swearing of large campaign contributions, or ones over $200, from the fossil fuel industry. In addition to not signing the pledge, DeFazio, despite his accomplishments on the issue, has taken a significant amount from the industry this election cycle.
Oil and gas PACs have donated a total of $5,000 to DeFazio's 2020 campaign. Meanwhile, he has received $500 each from Koch Industries lobbyist John Scofield, ExxonMobil lobbyist Timothy Hannegan, and Chevron lobbyist David R. Thomas. In addition, fellow ExxonMobil lobbyists Mark Joseph Anderson, Scott McGee, and Dana L. Wood collectively contributed $8,532 to Kelley Drye & Warren's associated PAC, which, in turn, has given $5,000 to DeFazio. Also, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld's PAC, which has received a total of $14,030 from fellow Chevron lobbyists Justin McCarthy and Brian Arthur Pomper, has donated $1,000 to the congressman.
In conclusion, while DeFazio does have a decent record on climate change and the environment, the money he has taken, both directly and indirectly, from the oil and gas industry puts his commitment to further action in question, especially as he is being challenged from the left on the issue. Although Canning has racked up several endorsements from environmental organizations, why did LCV not follow suit, and instead endorse someone who takes money from the industry he claims to want to control?
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