The League of Conservation Voters (LCV), which works to turn environmental values into national priorities, today added Congressman Sam Graves (MO-6) and California developer Dean Andal to its 2008 “Dirty Dozen” list. Compiled annually, the Dirty Dozen targets current and former members of Congress – regardless of party affiliation – who consistently vote against the environment and are running in races where LCV has a serious chance of affecting the outcome.

Andal has an abysmal record on energy and environmental issues make him one of the worst candidates for federal office in the nation, according to the LCV. The LCV refers to Andal as “the new Pombo,” in reference to former Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee and foe of the environmental movement, Richard Pombo.

LCV Senior Vice President Tony Massaro said, “Andal has consistently voted against fuel efficiency programs and measures to slow global warming.” During his time as state representative, Andal voted against legislation banning offshore drilling, and against another measure requiring oil companies to find a safe alternative to oil tankers which pose a serious danger to the coast.

Also named to the Dirty Dozen list was Congressman Sam Graves (MO-6). Graves has earned a lifetime LCV score of only 4% on energy and environmental issues. In January 2007, Graves voted no to taking away royalties and tax incentives to big oil and gas companies, ultimately contributing to their record high profits, which this quarter alone reached over $11.7 billon. Since elected, Graves has voted in line with the Bush Administration on every major energy vote, the LCV reports.

Other 2008 members include Senator Mitch McConnell, Senator Mary Landrieu, former Congressman Bob Schaffer, Congressman Steve Pearce, Senator Jim Inhofe, Congressman Sam Graves and Senator Ted Stevens. The rest of the Dirty Dozen will be announced in the coming weeks.

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