July 14, 2011 - On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill by a vote of 239-184 that would amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to preserve the authority of each state to make determinations relating to its own water quality standards. The bill (HR 2018) was supported by groups such as the National Mining Association, the West Virginia Coal Association, and Associated Equipment Distributors. The measure was opposed by environmental groups including the League of Conservation Voters, the National Wildlife Federation, the Sierra Club, and Trout Unlimited.
- Interest groups that supported this motion gave on average 94% more to House members who voted 'YES' ($83,416) than to House members who voted 'NO' ($42,956).
- Interest groups that opposed this motion gave on average 7 times as much to House members who voted 'NO' ($5,265) as they gave to House members who voted 'YES' ($731).
House Democrats
- Coal mining interest groups gave on average 61 times as much to House Democrats who voted 'YES' ($13,588) as they gave to House Democrats who voted 'NO' ($224).
- Mining interest groups gave on average 44 times as much to House Democrats who voted 'YES' ($5,097) as they gave to House Democrats who voted 'NO' ($117).
All House Members
- Coal mining interest groups gave on average 19 times as much to House members who voted 'YES' ($4,962) as they gave to House members who voted 'NO' ($268).
- Mining interest groups gave on average 21 times as much to House members who voted 'YES' ($2,254) as they gave to House members who voted 'NO' ($109).
Methodology: A MapLight analysis of campaign contributions to House members in office on day of vote, from interest groups invested in the vote according to MapLight, January 1, 2009 – December 31, 2010. Campaign contributions data source: OpenSecrets.org.
