Contact: Nora Naughton, nora.naughton@sierraclub.org
Lansing, Mich. – Sierra Club Michigan published its annual legislative scorecard today, revealing a legislative session marked by critical wins on clean energy and disappointing setbacks. Sierra Club’s analysis shows that even with promising momentum, this past legislative session was rife with persistent structural challenges that continue to hold our state back–no matter which party is in charge.
Each year, Sierra Club’s legislative team dives into the voting records for each Michigan lawmaker – including committee votes – on bills related to our issues. Bills we supported and bills we opposed are both included in the scoring process, and each vote aligned with the Michigan Sierra Club’s position was awarded one point.
This year we also took into consideration a refusal to show up for the legislative session, due to the negative impacts that lack of attendance had during the lame duck session. Sierra Club deducted a point for each clear abdication of duty, but sponsorships and absences/passes did not impact scores.
There is one core reason why incredibly popular policies, like strong polluter pay legislation, don’t move in Lansing: money in politics.
Sierra Club’s 2023-2024 scorecard provides the paper trail for Michiganders looking for more details to explain Lansing’s dysfunction.
Highlights:
- Perfect scores of 100% are awarded to legislators who vote with Sierra Club Michigan on our scored environmental bills 100% of the time. Overall, there were 21 perfect scores in the House and 4 perfect scores in the Senate.
- In the State House, only 33 of the 110 lawmakers received a 94% or above, earning them the title of Environmental Champion. Meanwhile, 54 lawmakers scored 69% or below, earning them the title of Pollution Promoter.
- In the Senate, 4 of the 38 lawmakers earned the title of Environmental Champion, while 18 lawmakers earned the title of Pollution Promoter.
- Dysfunction in the House was more pronounced, and led to a vast legislative wasteland where several critical bills aimed at protecting and supporting our communities were left in limbo.
- This was especially evident in the final weeks of the session when the entire House Republican Caucus, along with one Democrat, staged a walkout, effectively bringing legislative progress to a standstill.
- Outgoing Environmental Champions include: Rep. Rachel Hood, Rep. Abraham Aiyash, and Rep. Felicia Brabec.
- As these lawmakers have now left the legislature, we want to thank them for their leadership and commitment to sustainability, justice, and a future where people and nature can thrive together – core principles that lie at the heart of the Sierra Club’s mission.
You can review the entire scorecard here
Tim Minotas, Deputy Legislative & Political Director
“While The 2023-24 legislative session presented some major victories, such as the Clean Energy and Jobs Act, it also presented numerous challenges, hurdles, and blockades to our key issues. As we move into the 2025-26 legislative session, these enduring challenges are amplified by Donald Trump’s aggressive advancement of his radical Project 2025 agenda.
“State and local action are more critical than ever to safeguard climate progress and ensure lasting protections for our communities. The Michigan Sierra Club legislative and political team – along with the collective power of our 150,000 Michigan Sierra Club members – is committed to fighting back at every level to protect the Great Lakes and keep moving forward in our transition to renewable energy.”
Christy McGillivray, Political & Legislative Director
“The urgency of the climate crisis, the magnitude of environmental injustices in our state and country, and ongoing attacks on our democracy demand bold action. We must tap our collective power to stand up and fight for a better future.
“While the Trump Administration attacks Americans that criticize his actions, our mission here in Michigan is brought into clear focus. Now more than ever before we must use our constitutionally guaranteed civil liberties to fight for life-saving environmental protections, and we must stand up to the corporate greed that leads to lawmakers prioritizing corporate profits over public benefit.”