1.1977-12.1978

Dingell has served continuously as a member of the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee and the Small Business Committee, in addition to the Commerce Committee.  He continues to chair the productive Subcommittee on Energy and Power:

• Emergency Natural Gas Act of 1977 (PL 95-2)
• Federal Energy Administration Authorization Act of 1977 (PL 95-70)
• Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System  (Congressional consent to Pres decision to proceed with system) (PL 95-158)
• Uranium Radiation Remedial Action Program to Protect Public Health (PL 95-236)
• Petroleum Marketing Practices Act (PL 95-297)
• Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978  (PL 95-604)
• The National Energy Act encompassing the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PL 95-617)
• The Energy Tax Act of 1978 (PL 95-618)
• The National Energy Conservation Policy Act (PL 95-619)
• The Power Plant and Industrial Fuel Use Act (PL 95-620)
• The Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 (PL 95-621)

5.26.1977

Dingell wins a key floor victory to protect Michigan jobs during the debate on the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977. 

The 1977 Amendments forced greater federal authority over air quality standards than previous legislation had required. The law established federal standards for both stationary & mobile sources of air pollution, and provided that States regulate pollution emissions through adopting State Implementation Plans. 

Dingell wins a key vote on the House Floor to ensure that emission standards for vehicles did not unduly harm the auto industry and provided adequate time for the industry to develop ways to meet higher standards for emissions.  It passes 255 - 139.

The bill will not be significantly reauthorized again until the Clean Air Act of 1990.