S. 1030. Emergency Energy Conservation Act. The vote is on the Ottinger amendment to permit the President to impose gasoline rationing when there was a 15% shortage for 30 days, rather than waiting until there was a 20% shortage. Ottinger argued that without his amendment the President would not have rationing authority Òuntil a truly catastrophic situation prevailed.Ó Although environmental leaders today have mixed feelings about rationing, most supported the Ottinger amendment. This was one of the few opportunities that Members of Congress had in 1979 to indicate that they were seriously concerned about excessive gasoline consumption and willing to do something about it. If a rationing plan were in place in an emergency, it would hopefully reduce the sense of panic and the willingness to uncritically accept drastic phony ÒsolutionsÓ to the energy crisis. Rejected 93-329. July 25, 1979. Yes is the correct vote.