©2025 League of Conservation Voters
1974 Scorecard Vote
28
60
12
Issues
Amendments to the Price-Anderson Indemnity Provisions of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (H.R. 15323). The bill sets a maximum limit of $560 million in damages to be paid to affected communities in the event of a nuclear power plant accident. The AEC charges each plant from $2 to $5 million in deferred insurance premiums to pay for damages as they occur. Yet damages from a really serious accident could cost billions, and such low liability limits help to insulate the nuclear power industry from the consequences of a disaster and to reduce its motivation for safety. The vote is on the Schweiker amendment to permit states to impose stricter liability and insurance requirements on nuclear plants in their areas. Environmentalists argued that different plants have different degrees of risk, and so liability and insurance costs should be higher for those in dangerous locations or near large populations. President Nixon opposed the amendment. August 8, 1974. Rejected 28-60. YES is the correct vote.
©2025 League of Conservation Voters