Gov. Martin O?Malley scored an A-minus for his work on the environment, the highest score given to a governor by the state conservation watchdog group.
“The administration has not only made it a priority during tough economic times, but they are also working to infuse an environmental ethic across [government],” said Cindy Schwartz, executive director of the League of Conservation Voters, which released its gubernatorial midterm report card Tuesday.
Since taking office, O?Malley has made “laudable accomplishments in a short amount of time, demonstrating a huge commitment to protecting the environment,” Schwartz said.
The grade reflects scores in eight categories, such as air quality and transportation, and is given twice in a governor?s term. Click here to download the report.
The league noted O?Malley?s creation of the Chesapeake Bay 2010 Trust Fund to help reduce runoff and improve storm-water management and his support of the Global Warming Solutions Act, which requires the reduction of emissions by 25 percent by 2020.
O?Malley?s lowest score, a B-minus, was in the area of transportation, mainly for his support of the Intercounty Connector, an 18-mile state road that environmentalists say will contribute to sprawl and harm the environment.
Brad Heavner, state director for Environment Maryland, agreed environmentalists have a voice in O?Malley?s administration, adding Ehrlich?s top officials often opposed their priorities.
“There is no question this is an environmental governor who really wants all of his agencies to walk the walk,” he said.
The league gave former Gov. Robert Ehrlich a D-plus and a D.
However, some conservation groups accused the league of “grade inflation,” saying the scores don?t fully reflect the road?s effects.
“The ICC directly undermines many of those commitments to clean air, clean water, energy-efficiency, fighting climate change and the Bay,” said Stewart Schwartz, executive director of the Coalition for Smarter Growth.
O?Malley spokeswoman Christine Hansen called the report card “very positive news.”
“It?s encouraging that the League of Conservation Voters recognized the hard work of so many in our state,” shesaid.
In response to areas where O?Malley received lower marks, Hansen said, “There is always room for improvement, and we are constantly moving forward.”
