©2025 League of Conservation Voters
1980 Scorecard Vote
274
94
64
H.R. 7020. This is the vote to suspend the rules and pass the bill creating a $1.6 billion “Superfund” to finance the cleanup of toxic chemicals that are dumped or spilled into the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency was made responsible for handling the fund and cleanup. 86% of the money will come from taxes on the oil and chemical industries. The government was given authority to sue the companies who did the dumping for the cleanup costs and for up to $50 million for damages to natural resources. Oil spills, however, were not covered. The President was given some new authority to take action to clean up and prevent spills and to control hazardous substances threatening the public health. This bill was not as strong as an earlier Senate bill that also compensated victims for damages, but it was a major accomplishment nonetheless. Adopted 274-94. December 3, 1980. YES is the correct vote.
©2025 League of Conservation Voters