John Campbell [R, CA-48] is at it again. He continually expresses concern for the environment (could he have taken a poll?) yet just voted to sustain Bush's veto of the very bill he says he supported. If you look at his history (and ratings from environmental groups), it should come as no surprise.
A major issue in the Ca-48 is urban runoff to the ocean. A primary watershed in the 48th Congressional District is the Aliso Creek.
John Campbell [R,Ca-48] smiles for the on-site photo ops apparently "supporting" cleanup of the watershed, but then votes to kill the project. WHERE DO YOU STAND MR. CAMPBELL?
On November 15, 2007, when Campbell figured no one was watching, he voted to sustain Bush's veto of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 belying Campbell's many media pronouncements concerning his "dedication to the environment." [Contribute to help me unseat him!]
The media blitz began July 6, 2007, when Campbell wrote an editorial in the Orange County Register ostensibly advocating to clean up the watershed. He said,
The ocean water quality off Orange County's beaches needs to be improved. There isn't much debate about that. Whether you are a surfer who has experienced sickness after catching rights on a Saturday morning; or a businessperson suffering losses after another summer day with the beach closed by high bacteria levels in the ocean; or someone who just believes it's the right thing to do, there is agreement that our economic and environmental health is well-served by dealing with the problem of urban runoff polluting our beaches.
But he then belittled environmentalists by mischaracterizing their efforts, and taking the ridiculous to the sublime.
There are those who believe we should change the behavior of people all across the state to fix this problem. They maintain that it should be illegal to wash your car in your driveway or to fertilize your lawn. Some people even believe it should be illegal to have a lawn or to water your plants in such a way that causes water to flow off your property. They want to ban fast food and coffee shops and smoking (even on your own property) within a mile or so of the beach.
One thing these people are still struggling with is how to prevent wild animals from defecating. I am sure they will think of some way to require that the animals wear diapers and to fine us if we do not put one on the nearest squirrel.
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On September 1, 2006, John Campbell was at the watershed purportedly supporting the "SUPER" project — named for the goals of creek Stabilization, Utility Protection and Environmental Restoration. Campbell dissembled, "It will be great in a few years to stand here and announce the completion of this project," Campbell said.2006 news report
Yet on November 15, 2007, another story appeared reporting that Congress voted to override Bush's veto of the $23 billion Water Resources Development Act of 2007 that includes the cleanup of Aliso Creek. The story quotes Campbell,
"I was interested in this project for years when I was in the state legislature, now I am in a position to do something about it," Campbell said. "Right now the creek is polluted — it can be pristine. Right now there is non-native vegetation — it can be completely natural." [source]
Not only did Campbell vote to support Bush's veto, he consistently voted against the environment, garnering abominable ratings from many environmental groups. For example, VoteSmart shows Campbell's ratings as:
2005 Representative Campbell supported the interests of the League of Conservation Voters 0 percent in 2005.
2005 Representative Campbell supported the interests of the Republicans for Environmental Protection 0 percent in 2005.
2005 Representative Campbell supported the interests of the Sierra Club California 0 percent in 2005.
2004 Representative Campbell supported the interests of the Sierra Club California 0 percent in 2004.
2003 Representative Campbell supported the interests of the California League of Conservation Voters 0 percent in 2003.
2002 Representative Campbell supported the interests of the California League of Conservation Voters 0 percent in 2002.
2001 Representative Campbell supported the interests of the California League of Conservation Voters 0 percent in 2001. VoteSmart
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