©2025 League of Conservation Voters
1977 Scorecard Vote
196
206
32
Issues
ERDA Authorization (H.R. 6796). Vote is on the Coughlin amendment to prohibit the federal government from paying more than 50% of the cost overruns for the Clinch River project once the costs exceeded $2.5 billion, and to make industry bear the rest of the financial burden. In 1972, the cost projection for Clinch River was $500 million, to be divided evenly between government and industry, but Nixon persuaded Congress to limit the industry’s share to its original $250 million no matter how great the cost overruns. Due to faulty site selection, design problems, inflation and mismanagement, costs have now soared to $2.2 billion. This amendment requires industry to share the burden only after costs exceed $2.5 billion. The nuclear industry bitterly opposed it. The amendment is important because it could set a precedent for the financing of other breeders. Rejected 196-206. September 21, 1977. YES is the correct vote.
©2025 League of Conservation Voters