The League Of Conservation Voters

November 30, 2019

The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) is a network of organizations that includes a 501(c)3, 501(c)4, federal PAC, independent expenditure committee, 527, and 32 state affiliates. The network focuses specifically on electing “pro-environment candidates who will champion [their] priority issues.” LCV is also focused on racial justice and equity with the stated goal to “build a more racially and demographically diverse movement and electorate.”

Gene Karpinski serves as President of LCV. Previously, Karpinski was Executive Director of the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, the organization started by Ralph Nader.

In the past, Karpinski and LCV have railed against the “influence of big money in politics.” Since then, LCV has continued to spend more and more to try and buy influence. During the last two campaign cycles, LCV spent more than $100 million. During the 2016 cycle, LCV spent a record-setting $45 million. The record didn’t last long. During the 2018 cycle, the group said it planned to spend $60 million to help Democrats. In the last five years, LCV has spent at least $1,370,000 on lobbying Congress and federal agencies.

State Activity

In Alaska, LCV’s affiliate is The Alaska Center, which advocates for policies that would harm the Alaskan economy and kill jobs. For example, LCV’s The Alaska Center opposes the Pebble Mine, which could generate $1 billion in revenue for the state and create up to 20,000 jobs, according to experts.

Thinly-Veiled Campaign Committee For Democrats

Despite its claim to be non-partisan, LCV is anything but. Since 2013, LCV has contributed more than 99 percent of its money to Democrats. During that period, it gave $9,212,566 to Democrats and only $75,472 to Republicans.

The League of Conservation Voters’ National Environmental Scorecard is similarly tilted toward Democrats. In the House, only 3 Democrats have received a lifetime score of 60 percent or less while only 2 Republicans have received a lifetime score of 60 percent or higher. In the Senate, only 3 Democrats have received a lifetime score of 60 percent or less while only 1 Republican has received a lifetime score of 60 percent or higher.

Close Ties To Bloomberg

In October 2018, LCV presented Michael Bloomberg with a Lifetime Achievement Award and the former Mayor said, “it’s an honor to receive this award tonight – and to have worked with LCV over the years, both locally in New York and around the country.”

Antha Williams, who “leads the Environment program at Bloomberg Philanthropies” and is a former board member at Greenpeace, sits on the LCV Board of Directors.

During the 2018 midterms, Bloomberg contributed at least $5 million to LCV. In 2014, Bloomberg contributed at least $200,000 to LCV.

Close Ties To Steyer

At the 2014 AREDAY Summit, Karpinski participated in a panel with Tom Steyer where he discussed doing research with Steyer. During the panel, Karpinski spoke glowingly of Steyer saying, “The Koch brothers are in it for their bottom line, Tom’s in it because he cares about the planet.”

During the 2018 cycle, Tom Steyer’s NextGen Climate Action gave at least $1,290,000 to LCV. In 2016, NextGen Climate Action gave at least $294,500 to LCV. In 2014, NextGen Climate Action gave at least $1,720,000 to LCV.