©2025 League of Conservation Voters
1977 Scorecard Vote
244
177
12
Issues
(H.R. 8444). The vote is on the final passage of the House version of the Act, which contained several significant energy conservation and coal conversion measures. Part I required energy utilities to promote energy-saving home improvements, mandated energy efficiency standards for home appliances, and authorized money for solar heating and energy conservation investments in government buildings. Part II required most new and some existing electric power plants and industrial plants to use coal or some other fuel instead of oil or natural gas. Part III set minimum standards for utility rate structures that were designed to encourage conservation and solar energy. For example, it banned unjustified discount rates for large users, required utilities to offer lower rates during off-peak hours, and required individual metering for consumers in new office buildings and apartments. The bill banned discrimination against solar energy users or factories co-generating both steam and electricity. Part IV raised the price of newly discovered natural gas and extended federal price regulations to gas produced and consumed within the same state. Part V contained taxes and tax credits to promote energy conservation, including a tax credit for investments in solar energy and conservation, a “gas-guzzler” tax on inefficient cars, and the crude oil equalization tax discussed in vote #14. Passed 244-177. August 5, 1977. YES is the correct vote.
©2025 League of Conservation Voters