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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.
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