Week 1 – Discussion 1

Preservation and Development Preservation and development has been a heated topic given our scarce natural resources. As you know, many stakeholders are concerned about what the objectives are for land. The question that is always asked is what we should do, preserve or develop the land? Research one such debate and answer the following questions:

a. Give a one paragraph synopsis of the debate with the appropriate link, so we are able to view it and read it. b. What are pros and cons with going through with Preservation? Make sure to identify the future implications of preserving the land. c. What are the pros and cons with going through with Development? Make sure to identify the future implications of developing the land.

Given your research, support your answer with what you think should have occurred and explain your position with appropriate use of economic terms. Respond to at least two of your fellow students’ postings.

Week 1 – Discussion 2

Costs for Meeting Environmental Standards

Certain environmental laws prohibit the EPA from considering the costs of meeting various standards when the levels of the standards are set. Pollution control is an obvious example of where the EPA has certain standards for society. Compare and contrast two approaches to deal with the collection and evaluation of costs when evaluating the environmental standards. Which approach do you find to be the most suitable given the implications of preserving the environment?