1977 Scorecard Vote
(S 2114). The vote is on the Johnston motion to table and thus kill the Brooke amendment to authorize the federal Secretary of Energy to seek judicial review of certain state Public Utility Commission decisions regarding utility rates. Utilities can promote energy conservation by changing their rate structures to flatten out electricity demand throughout the day and removing discounts given to the largest energy consumers. Under this amendment DOE could intervene in court in the name of energy conservation or equity to the consumer. But its appeals would be heard by state courts and governed by state laws. Environmentalists supported the amendment because they want state PUCs to adequately consider all such energy conservation options before supporting new power plant construction. The Administration supported the Brooke amendment. Motion to table agreed to 59-37. October 6, 1977. No is the correct vote.
pro-environment position