Final answer:
The "Dirty Dozen" is a term used by environmental groups to identify members of Congress with poor environmental voting records, thus labeling them as anti-environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The "Dirty Dozen" refers to a label used by environmental interest groups to describe members of Congress whom they perceive as having poor environmental voting records. Specifically, the phrase is often used to identify lawmakers deemed by these groups to be anti-environment. The term is a play on words, borrowing from the popular notion of a group that is notorious or disreputable, but applying it here to the realm of environmental policy and legislative action.
Interest groups often play an active role in shaping public perception of elected officials. They monitor and report on the voting behavior of legislators, especially when it comes to issues that are central to their mission, such as environmental protection. When Congress considers legislation that may impact air quality, wildlife preservation, or other environmental concerns, these groups may advocate for or against certain bills and highlight the actions of legislators accordingly.