©2026 League of Conservation Voters
1981 Scorecard Vote
35
63
2
Issues
Bumpers (D-AR) – Hart (D-CO) amendment to the Budget Reconciliation bill to increase the budget for solar energy research and development, energy conservation, and the Solar Energy & Conservation Bank by $450 million. Under pressure from the Reagan Administration, the Senate Budget Committee had cut conservation by 30% and the Solar and Conservation Bank by 60% below the original Carter Budget for 1982. This amendment attempted to more fairly balance the subsidies which the government extends to nearly all energy sources. In the long run, conservation and renewable sources are the safest and cheapest energy programs. Unlike other energy sources, they do not pollute and never run out. They are inflation-resistant; once the initial investment is made no further fuel costs are required. Through greater reliance on conservation and renewable resources, the U.S. could reduce its energy consumption by a third over the next 20 years, save $300 billion in fuel costs, and forgo the construction of 700 new nuclear or coal-fired electrical generating plants, without any difference in American productivity or lifestyle. The amendment was rejected 35-63; June 24, 1981; YES is the pro-environmental vote.
©2026 League of Conservation Voters