©2025 League of Conservation Voters
1979 Scorecard Vote
135
254
44
Issues
H.R. 2608 Nuclear Regulatory Commission authorizations. The vote is on the Markey amendment to put a six month moratorium on any new nuclear plant construction permits. This was considered a key test vote on nuclear power and the first time Members voted after the Kemeny Commission had published its report criticizing the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for its handling of the accident at Three Mile Island. Markey argued that no new construction permits should be issued until the government had carried out all the reforms and changes recommended by the Kemeny Commission. The effect of the amendment was partly symbolic, since the NRC had a self-imposed moratorium on construction permits until the Three Mile Island accident was fully studied. The amendment did not apply to nuclear plants already under construction, and would at the very most have affected from six to eight plants that were close to requesting permits. But environmentalists lobbied hard and considered this the most important nuclear vote of the year. The Carter Administration opposed the amendment. Rejected 135-254. November 29, 1979. Yes is the correct vote.
©2025 League of Conservation Voters