©2025 League of Conservation Voters
1976 Scorecard Vote
156
244
30
Public Works-ERDA Appropriations, Fiscal 1977 (HR 14236). The vote is on the Fraser amendment to cut $12.16 million in funds for the Garrison Diversion Project in North Dakota. Environmentalists have brought suit against the Bureau of Reclamation for failing to complete impact statements on key segments of the project while continuing construction. The Garrison Diversion Project would destroy North Dakota wetlands, and damage or destroy 8 National Wildlife Refuges. Salty irrigation return flows from the project would pollute the Souris and Red Rivers, violate Minnesota state water quality standards, and violate the U.S. – Canadian Boundary Water Treaty of 1909. Finally, the project would destroy almost 220,000 acres in order to irrigate 250,000 acres that are already productive. Fraser’s amendment would halt construction of the project’s principal source of irrigation water until the International Joint Commission decides what, if any, changes are needed to mitigate damages to Canada. June 15, 1976. Rejected 156-244. “YES” is the correct vote.
©2025 League of Conservation Voters