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6. Assessing Policy Alternatives

Exercises

1. Assessing an Alternative
   
   You have been asked to develop arguments in support of or in opposition to the expansion of the use of nuclear power. You need to base your analysis on some of the evaluative criteria presented in the chapter, including effectiveness, efficiency, and equity. At a minimum, you must address the issues of effectiveness and efficiency. Conduct a Google search for "nuclear power" to get started. Depending on your perspective, you may visit the following sites: Nuclear Energy Institute, Natural Resources Defense Council, Resources for the Future, or the Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology within the Department of Energy. Be sure to take the source of your information into consideration, and any biases that may be present, as you assess the data provided. Write a two-page paper in support of your position.

2. Assessing Risk and Making Decisions
   
   Chapter 6 discusses risk assessment, the purpose of which is to identify, estimate, and evaluate the magnitude of risk to citizens from exposure to various situations. While you will not be performing a risk assessment, the following articles use risk assessment as a basis for decision making.
   
   Go to the Society for Risk Analysis. Click on the "Resources" link and then on "Risk World." Click on one of the articles listed under "News Releases." Write a summary paper in response to the following:
   
   
• What is the problem?





• What is the solution offered?





• What are the risks associated with the problem? In other words, what might happen to people or to the environment if the problem is not solved?





• How will the solution ameliorate the risk?