For the second year in a row, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters has named state Rep. Diana Urban, D-North Stonington, as a Legislative Champion. Urban scored 100 percent on the league’s 2015 scorecard for her record of supporting key environmental legislation in the last General Assembly session.

“As chair of the Children’s Committee, I recognize that environmental issues are children’s issues. We must protect our environment so that our children can enjoy clean air, a healthy Long Island Sound, and open spaces,” Urban said in a press release. “This year, protecting our kids from harmful pesticides was a top priority of mine, and thankfully we were able to pass a law which bans their use on municipal playgrounds. I also continued to work on chemicals of high concern to kids. I am proud of what we were able to accomplish this session and look forward to continuing our efforts next year.”

The playground legislation also requires public notification at least 24 hours prior to the emergency application of pesticides on school grounds or municipal playgrounds. She also helped pass a bill that bans the import and sale of products containing plastic microbeads which are not biodegradable.

“Representative Diana Urban deserves our highest accolades,” stated Lori Brown, CTLCV’s executive director. “Over the course of 15 years at the legislature, her effective leadership has resulted in better protections for our land, air, water, wildlife and public health in Connecticut. She has worked hard for the environment, year after year, and we are proud to name her a 2015 Legislative Champion. Our state is a cleaner, healthier place because of Diana Urban.”