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11. Environmental and Energy Policy

Exercises

1. How to Interpret Policy Studies
   
   For this exercise, you will visit the site of an environmental think tank to respond to a series of questions about the interpretation of the organization's study. Go to the site for Resources for the Future (RFF). Click in the "Research Topics" box at the top and select an area of research. Select a report from this area and answer the following:
   
   
• What was the purpose of the study, and who conducted it?





• Does it seek and present objective information on the nature of the problem and possible solutions? If yes, how do you know it is objective? If no, why not?





• Is the report's argument logical and convincing? Explain.





• Does the report omit important subject matter? If yes, what is it?





• Does the study discuss the policy implications clearly and persuasively? Defend your answer.





• To compare Resources for the Future studies with the work of other organizations, visit the Natural Resources Defense Council or the Competitive Enterprise Institute. Find a particular subject area, such as clean air, clean water, or endangered species, and locate a study. Answer the same questions listed above.

2. Comparing Countries' Energy Sources and Policies
   
   Energy policy often is discussed in the context of environmental policy and is something that every nation must address. In this exercise you will examine information that pertains to different nations' energy sources, concerns, and policies.
   
   Go to the Energy Information Agency site. This site provides energy briefs on various countries worldwide. Select two countries. Click on the appropriate place on the map. Answer the following questions:
   
   
• What is each country's primary source of domestic energy? What other sources are used extensively? What are the prospects for the continued availability of these energy sources in the future? Are any renewable energy sources used within each country? If so, which ones and to what extent?





• Write an analytical paper that responds to the above questions. Discuss the future of energy policy in these two countries. Will they face problems in the future? What might these problems be? What suggestions or alternatives would you promote? Defend your choices.