©2026 League of Conservation Voters
1978 Scorecard Vote
187
211
34
Issues
Outer Continental Shelf amendments H.R. 1614. The vote is on the Breaux amendment to substitute an oil industry bill for the bill that had been reported out of Committee. Like the Treen amendment described above, Breaux gave $200 million a year to the states with no strings attached, thus increasing the danger of irresponsible and destructive coastal energy development. The amendment also removed provisions in the bill authorizing the Interior Department to set clean air standards for offshore areas and facilities. The Committee bill separated the exploration and production of offshore oil leasing, so that the oil companies did not automatically get the right to drill the areas that they explored. This helped give the government more accurate information and the time to weigh environmental costs against potential benefits. The Breaux substitute eliminated this provision also. Finally, Breaux removed the provisions for different bidding systems that were designed to prevent the biggest oil conglomerates from monopolizing the offshore oil leasing. The Carter Administration opposed the amendment. Rejected 187-211. January 26, 1978. NO is the correct vote.
©2026 League of Conservation Voters