M A R C H 2 0 2 1 CONSERVATION UPDATES M O N T H L Y N E W S L E T T E R O F C O N S E R V A T I O N A L A B M A A

Dear Friend,

We're halfway through the state legislative session. While the first weeks were dominated by bills related to Covid-19, we're starting to see movement on legislation that could impact our natural resources and affect your ability to hold elected officials accountable. Right now we're monitoring several IN THIS EDITION pieces of legislation -- including bills concerning public records access, absentee voting, and access to hiking and biking trails. Signup for our weekly Hot List to get the latest news from the State House, and be on the lookout Sewell Tops Annual for upcoming Action Alert emails to make your voice heard. LCV Scorecard This month marks one year since the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a pandemic. As I consider the last year and the magnitude of what it Elections Update represents, I am filled with gratitude for you, our members. Thank you for stepping up and taking action, for your generous donations, and for your AEYC Seeking steadfast commitment to our mission. Because of you, we've been able to Applicants keep building our grassroots conservation movement and keep advancing protections for the people and places we love. I look forward to all the exciting work that lies ahead.

Sincerely,

Tammy Monistere Executive Director Sewell Tops energy, public health, public House: Annual LCV lands and wildlife conservation, Rep. (R-AL1): 0 and spending for environmental Rep. (R-AL2): 5 Scorecard programs. The 2020 Scorecard Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL3): 5 measures votes cast during the Rep. (R-AL4): 5 The League of Conservation second session of the 116th Rep: (R-AL5): 0 Voters recently released its Congress, which includes 21 Rep: Gary Palmer (R-AL6): 0 annual environmental House votes and 13 Senate Rep: (D-AL7): 90 scorecard. The scorecard is the votes. Scores for the (U.S. House Average: 59%) primary yardstick for evaluating delegation are: the environmental records of Once again, Rep. Terri Sewell every member of Congress, and had the highest score among all is available online at Senate: members of the Alabama scorecard.lcv.org, or for Sen. (R): 0 delegation. We are grateful to download here. LCV scores Sen. (D): 69 Congresswoman Sewell for her votes on the most important continued work to protect the issues of the year, including (U.S. Senate Average: 46%) people and places of Alabama.

Elections to the Alabama Court of elections, visit our Voting in Criminal Appeals. (HouseDistrict Alabama webpage. Update 73 includes parts of Shelby County.) In other elections news, Kirk Special primary elections will Hatcher (D) was successful in his take place on Tuesday, March 30 Secretary of State John Merrill recent bid to serve as the next for State Senate District 14 and has officially extended the Senator for District 26. Prior to House District 73. opportunity for anyone last month's special election, concerned about Covid-19 to Hatcher held the seat for House The seat for Senate District 14 apply for and cast an absentee District 78. The special election was recently vacated by Sen. ballot in these special elections. to fill his vacated House seat will Cam Ward, who the Governor The last day to apply for an take place on Tuesday, May 25. appointed to serve as director of absentee ballot is Thursday, (House District 78 includes the Alabama Bureau of Pardons March 25, and absentee ballots south, west, and north and Paroles. (Senate District 14 must be hand-delivered or Montgomery.) represents portions of Bibb, postmarked by March 29. The Chilton, Hale, Jefferson, and absentee ballot application is Shelby Counties.) available online, or you can contact the Secretary of State's The seat for House District 73 office at (334) 242-7210. was recently vacated by Rep. Matt Fridy, following his election For a full list of resources on

C O N S E R V A T I O N U P D A T E S • C O N S E R V A T I O N A L A B A M A AEYC Seeking currently accepting applications these young leaders in the from students who will be in statewide environmental Applicants grades 9-12 during the 2021- movement, visit their website at 2022 school year. aeycouncil.org. Do you know a high school student who's passionate about AEYC members help promote Qualifications, responsibilities, the environment? The Alabama conservation and sustainability, and more information about the Environmental Youth Council educate the public about AEYC application process can be (AEYC) -- a partner of our sister environmental issues, and found on the Application Form, organization Conservation advocate for environmental due May 7. Alabama Foundation -- is policy. To learn more about

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