1973 Scorecard Vote
Bill to create an Energy Research and Development Administration to study all methods of producing and conserving energy (H.R. 11510). Environmentalists feared this agency would overemphasize nuclear energy at the expense of its other functions. It would have five branches, one devoted exclusively to nuclear energy, one for all fossil fuels, one for all other energy sources, and one for National Defense. All research on safety, environmental impact, and energy conservation is lumped together in another branch. The vote is on the Rosenthal amendment to split this last into two separate branches, one for energy conservation and one for safety and environment. This would upgrade the importance of both. As Rep. Fraser pointed out, the goals of safety and efficiency are not always the same, and "if members think both points of view deserve a fair hearing, they will vote for this amendment." December 19, 1973. Rejected 112-271. Yes is the correct vote.
pro-environment position