Candidate Endorsements

For 2010, the NLCV endorsed 9 candidates for state senate: Dave Pankonin, Burke Harr, Bob Krist, Kent Rogert, Carl Lorenzen, Bill Avery, Norm Wallman, Annette Dubas and Cap Dierks. We are proud to say that over half of our candidates were elected to senate seats!  Endorsed candidates Dave Pankonin, Burke Harr, Bob Krist, Bill Avery, Norm Wallman and Annette Dubas will take their seats for the 102nd Legislative Session in January.

2010 Election Reaction

Conservation is a non-partisan issue.  Protecting our land, water and wildlife is important to ALL Nebraskans. However, the NLCV recognizes that in times of economic recession conservation legislation can often take a back seat to hot-button topics such as unemployment, budget shortfalls and tax cuts.  That doesn't mean that protecting our natural resources is any less important-the NLCV promises to keep conservation at the forefront of all policy decisions for 2011. 

While budget deficits make it difficult to promote conservation-based initiatives, it is not impossible.  Here's inspiring proof:

California
Proposition 23: a ballot measure backed by polluters that would have suspended California's climate change laws was voted down by 61% of the voters.

Iowa
Proposition 1: a constitutional amendment that will permanently dedicate $150 million per year in future state sales taxes for land, water and farmland preservation was voted into effect with 62% of the vote.

Oregon
Measure 76: a constitutional amendment to continue dedicating a portion of the state lottery for parks and natural resources which will generate about $100 million per year was voted into effect with 68% of the vote.

Maine
Question 3: a statewide bond measure to provide $9.75 million for the "Land for Maine's Future" program was voted into effect with 60% of the vote.

San Antonio, TX
Propositions 1 & 2: a local measure that will extend the current sales tax providing an additional $90 million to protect land around the Edwards Aquifer, and another sales tax to provide $45 million for various open space and parks funding both passed with 66% and 67% of the vote, respectively.

Rhode Island
A $14.7 million statewide bond for parks and open space passed with 65% of the vote.  In Narragansett RI, another bond for $2 million dedicated to local land and space aquisition passed.

Oregon
Measure 18-80 was defeated, ensuring ongoing support for fish habitat restoration in the Klamath River Basin in south-central Oregon.


These victories signify, that even during a large-scale economic recession and an election season dominated by anti-tax and anti-spending rhetoric, conservation can and will win.