Environment America endorses 53 ‘green champions’ for US Senate, House

For Immediate Release: Thursday, October 27, 2022

Contact: Mark Morgenstein, Media Relations Director, [email protected], 678-427-1671

Environment America endorses 53 ‘green champions’ for U.S. Senate, House

DENVER – Environment America announced Thursday that it, and its state groups, are endorsing six candidates, including one independent, for the U.S. Senate, and 47 candidates, including three Republicans, for the U.S. House of Representatives. Recognizing the gravity of the 2022 election, the environmental groups endorsed this slate of 53 total candidates because they are — or will be — the biggest champions in Congress on environmental issues from clean air and clean water to open spaces.

“Over the past two years, the 117th Congress has made unprecedented strides on climate action and improving our environment,” said Environment America President Wendy Wendlandt. “We have faith that if elected, our slate of green champions will build on that progress — and build a cleaner, healthier and better future for all Americans.”  

Environment America and its state groups chose these candidates in response to this two-part question: 

1. Are the candidates true champions of the environment; and 
2. Can we count on them to not only vote the right way, but lobby other members of Congress, lead the debate, and forge the agreements that produce results?

“The health of our environment impacts Americans every day, from the air we breathe to the water we drink and the parks we enjoy,” said Lisa Frank, executive director of Environment America’s Washington Legislative Office. “We need more members of Congress who wake up every day ready to act to protect the environment and who go to bed at night thinking about the Earth we’re leaving for future generations. These environmental champions do just that, and returning them, or sending them, to Congress is critical.”    

 U.S. Senate Endorsees

Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona

Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut

Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado

Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia

Lt. Gov. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania

Evan McMullin of Utah

U.S. House Endorsees

Rep. Mary Peltola — AK01

Rep. Raul Grijalva — AZ03

Rep. Jared Huffman — CA02

Rep. Jimmy Panetta — CA19

Rep. Julia Brownley — CA26

Rep. Nannette Barrigan — CA44

Rep. Mike Levin — CA49

Rep. Joe Neguse – CO02

Rep. Kathy Castor — FL14

Rep. Brian Mast — FL21

Rep. Ed Case — HI01

Rep. Sean Casten — IL06

Eric Sorensen — IL17

Rep. Chellie Pingree — ME01

Rep. Dan Kildee — MI05

Rep. Elissa Slotkin — MI08

Rep. Debbie Dingell — MI12

Rep. Betty McCollum — MN04 

Rep. Dina Titus — NV01

Rep. Susie Lee — NV03

Rep. Ann Kuster — NH02

Rep. Andy Kim — NJ03

Rep. Chris Smith — NJ04

Rep. Frank Pallone — NJ06

Rep. Tom Malinowski — NJ07

Rep. Mikie Sherrill — NJ11

Rep. Melanie Stansbury — NM01

Gabe Vasquez — NM02

Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez — NM03

Rep. Paul Tonko — NY20

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici — OR01

Rep. Earl Blumenauer — OR03

State Rep. Andrea Salinas — OR06

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick — PA01

Rep. Brendan Boyle — PA02

Rep. Dwight Evans — PA03

Rep. Madeleine Dean — PA04

Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon — PA05

Rep. Chrissy Houlahan — PA06

Rep. Susan Wild — PA07

Rep. Matt Cartwright — PA08

State Rep. Summer Lee — PA12

Rep. Veronica Escobar — TX16

Rep. Lloyd Doggett — TX37

Rep. Donald McEachin — VA04

Rep. Abigail Spanberger — VA07

Rep. Don Beyer — VA08

Among the candidates meeting our criteria are notable environmental leaders including House Committee Chairs Pallone and Grijalva, both of whom have dedicated their lengthy political careers to the health of American land, water, air and people.

We’re also promoting first- and second-term Congress members such as Sen. Warnock and Reps. Stansbury and Slotkin, all of whom have made a significant impact in their short times in office, with crucial pro-environment votes and action.

Finally, from coast to coast — and in the heartland — we’re endorsing rising stars such State Reps. Andrea Salinas and Summer Lee and political newcomer Eric Sorenson, all of whom show promise as leaders in the next generation of federal environmental champions.

Environment America is a national network of 30 state environmental groups. Our staff work together for clean air, clean water, clean energy, wildlife and open spaces, and a livable climate. Our members across the United States put grassroots support behind our research and advocacy. 

Environment America is part of The Public Interest Network, which operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change.

Environment America Action Fund works to protect our environment by supporting candidates for public office who champion clean air, clean water, wilderness preservation, and strong action to prevent global warming. The Environment America Action Fund is a part of the Environment America family of organizations.