By now, the term “acid rain” is almost a household word. Its damaging effects on our lakes, forests, agricultural crops, buildings and our health are well known. Caused by emissions from coal-fired power plants and automobiles, acid rain has become a serious environmental problem in need of immediate Congressional action. Unfortunately, legislation to deal with this problem has been stalled in both the House and Senate for many years.

In 1986, Reps. Sikorski (D-MN), Conte (R-MA), Richardson (D-NM), and Boehlert (R-NY) introduced H.R. 4567 -- a bill to substantially cut the sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions that cause acid rain by allowing states to decide how to meet these emissions reductions while protecting electricity consumers from high electric bills. H.R. 4567 gained 171 co-sponsors in the House. However, the bill was never even allowed a vote in full committee before Congress adjourned.

In past voting charts, the League of Conservation Voters has listed co-sponsorship of acid rain control bills strictly for informational purposes. However, in 1986 we have taken the unusual step of counting co-sponsorship of HR 4567 as an actual vote in computing scores. In the absence of floor votes on this issue over the past several years, this is the only way to ensure that those who take a public stand for acid rain control gain appropriate credit for their action. Co-sponsorship of H.R. 4567 is the pro-environmental action.