Chapter 7 Flashcards
(44 cards)
What is the definition of policy?
A formal set of general plans and principles to address problems and guide decision making
Why do some reservoir rocks, like those in western New York, western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio require hydrofracturing to release the gas that is stored in pore space within the rocks?
Low permeability inhabits flow of gas
The concept of Tragedy of the Commons applies to situations where _
Commonly held and used resources are degraded because no one has responsibility for maintenance
What is the most effective way to avoid overexploitation of natural resources?
Government oversight
What was the intended purpose of the FIRST wave of environmental laws (1780-1800) in the US?
To promote settlement and enable extraction of resources from the West
What was the intended purpose of the SECOND wave of environmental laws (1800-1960) in the US?
To alleviate the impacts of westward expansion and protect dwindling resources and animals
What was the intended purpose of the THIRD wave of environmental laws (1960-1980) in the US?
To clean up industrial toxic waste, clean up the shared resources and protect citizens form environmental exposure.
What is Shale?
A sedimentary rock made of fine sediments (less than 1/256th mm) many of the grains are clay minerals.
Why is deep water sediment on the Continent?
During the Devonian sea level was higher
Where can you find shale?
Often deposited in deep water basins of slow moving swampy environments
Hydrofracking the Marcellus Shale
- Clay rich
- low porosity
- low permeability
- Very rich organic matter
- Concerted organic matter to oil then natural gas
Hydraulic Fracturing
Injecting pressurized liquid into shale after it has been broken up to allow the gas to move the well.
How is Hydraulic Fracturing good?
- Increase gas availability
- decrease price
- high efficiency
- lower emission local fuel
How is hydraulic fracturing bad?
- May contaminate water
- Increase fossil fuel use
- 1 in 1,000 wells are defective
Federal Government has exempted oil & gas companies form 7 major federal regulations
Because we are overlooking the good of hydraulic fracturing
Public Policy is…
policy made by government
Environmental policy
Policy that pertains to human interactions with the environment
Lobbying
Spending time or money to influence an elected official’s decision
Vested interest
special interest shown by people, organizations, or corporations that stand to benefit from a policy
Seven Major Laws
- Clean Air Act
- Clean Water Act
- Safe Drinking Water Act
- National Environmental Policy Act
- Resource Conservation & Recovery Act
- Emergency Planning and Community Right to know Act
- Superfund
Purpose of Environmental Policy
Science, ethics, and economics should inform policy,
Addresses the issues of fairness and resources
Tragedy of Commons Concept
A shared resource in which any given user reaps the full benefit of their personal use, while the losses are distributed among all users
Tragedy of Commons privatization
privatization works if property rights are clear, does not work with air, water, ocean
Public oversight through government is often used, most assured way to avoid overexploitation
Free Rider
one entity (business, factory, etc.) that does not participate in a voluntary effort to improve the environment (e.g., reduce pollution)
