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Rep. Shaban Responds To Low Environmental Rating

HARTFORD, Conn. — State Rep. John Shaban responded to his low score by an environmental group by saying that just calculating "simple yes or no votes" on bills ignores the context of votes as well as other steps a legislator is taking on behalf of conservation. 

“While the score is calculated by simple yes or no votes on particular bills as they move through the process, the score also ignores the reason for certain 'no' votes, as well as the work that people do to advance a particular cause,” Shaban.

The Republican lawmaker, who represents Weston, Easton and Redding, received a  53 percent rating on an Environmental Scorecard issued by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters.

In response, Shaban pointed to his “no” vote on the recent labeling bill for genetically modified organisms — a league “scorecard” issue — and said he is a member of the task force to draft more useful and appropriate legislation to effect GMO labeling. 

“It’s a shame really,” Shaban added, “because devices like these scorecards can distract people who are actually trying to promote conservation. Bad policy or poorly written legislation does nothing to protect our environment.” 

Shaban is a member of the legislature’s Environment Committee and was named Assistant Ranking Member of the Environment Committee. He said he supported the plan to improve and increase open space in Connecticut, water conservation, and to reduce phosphorous in our water in the last session. 

“My constituents know that I will continue to support meaningful legislation that will protect and preserve our beautiful state,” Shaban added.

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