The Nuclear Regulatory Commission's standards can be significantly less stringent than EPA's newly issued standards for radionuclide emissions. Senator Simpson offered an amendment to weaken EPA's role in the regulation of radioactive air emissions from facilities licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The vote was on a motion to table the Simpson amendment. It failed by a vote of 33-67 on April 3. Yes was the pro-environment vote. The amendment was subsequently adopted on a voice vote.