Hispanics and Environmental Voting in the US Congress

Abstract

Abstract Prior studies have found that African American members of Congress are more likely to vote pro-environmentally than their white colleagues, but so far little is known about the voting behavior of other nonwhite members. We examine trends in the environmental voting behavior of Hispanic members and examine how they compare to those of African American and white members. We test hypotheses about the likely causes of the disparities in voting patterns. Specifically, we examine the effect of both member characteristics and constituency characteristics on voting behavior. Results show that Hispanics are more likely to vote pro-environmentally than whites but less likely than African Americans. Results also suggest that much of the difference with white members can be attributed to Hispanic members more liberal ideological leanings. As one of the fastest growing minority populations in the U.S., Hispanics have the potential to have a lasting impact on Congress and environmental policy. Keywords: Hispanics, race, environmental voting, U.S. Congress