©2025 League of Conservation Voters
1974 Scorecard Vote
197
181
56
Issues
Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Amendment (S. 2439). The vote is on the Taylor motion to suspend the rules and pass a bill to provide a two year study of 70 miles of the New River for possible inclusion in the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Enactment of the bill would delay construction of an FPC licensed pumped storage project, which would actually consume 4 units of energy for every 3 units produced. The project would displace thousands of residents, flooding 40,000 acres of land that produces $13.5 million in yearly farm revenues — all for an annual benefit of only $6.7 million, of which half are questionable recreation benefits. Supporters of the bill argued that the FPC had not adequately considered alternatives to the project nor the value of the natural river as one of the few free flowing rivers in the East. The President took no position on the amendment, but his chief energy advisor, Roger C.B. Morton, supported the bill. December 18, 1974. Rejected 196-181 because it failed to get a two thirds majority. YES is the correct vote.
©2025 League of Conservation Voters