1.Environmental Impact Statement

Description

Local Environmental Policy

While many policy topics presented in the textbook may seem distant and out of the control of local or even individual power, environmental policy is somewhat unique in that it often utilizes local policy. Certainly, there are international, federal, and state policy regarding the environment, but you should also realize that there are several local environmental policies right in our own cities, perhaps right near our own homes and schools.

Go to the following website via the EPA: MyEnvironment (https://www3.epa.gov/enviro/myenviro/). Enter your city name (Castle Pines, CO) or zip code, and hit enter. This page will provide you with a wealth of information on environmental quality and policy in your local area.

Click on “MyAir” in the bar at the top of the page. What is the air quality like near you? Look at the map on the right and check the box titled “Toxic Releases to Air.” Are there any sources of toxic releases near you?

Click on “MyWater.” This will bring you to a number of different resources regarding waterways near you. Click in the box with your local watershed titled “Watersheds.” Then click on the link labeled “Impaired Water for this watershed.” Scroll down and take a look at the list of impaired waterways. What are some of the major causes of impairment?

Click on “MyLand.” Note the descriptions of what Superfund and Brownfields are. Now look at the map and check the boxes of both “Superfund Sites” and “Brownfield Properties.” What are the sites near you? If there are Superfund sites near you, what kind of cleanup is going on there?

Once you’ve looked at all of the information above and have a solid understanding of some of the environmental issues in your local area, draw some conclusions. How is the quality of the environment near you overall? Are there areas of environmental degradation? What kinds of local efforts are going on to clean up the environment or help maintain a healthy one?

Present your answers in the form of an environmental impact statement and submit it in the assignment folder.

Impact of the blockade on the economy in Qatar