–State Assignment
Overview of State Environmental Policy Class Session/Paper
Prepare a lecture and a briefing paper on environmental policy at the state level. I selected a state of North Carolina and prepare a 3-5 page briefing on the state’s environmental policy. Then create a powerpoint lecture that you will share with your classmates who will review and make comments.
Remember to incorporate linkages to information we have discussed in class related to development of environmental policies as response to events, politics, circumstances, etc. If there are key statutes please add information on why these are important, what they helped establish in a state, how they link with the federal guidelines, etc. Information about the state and its population help define what will be important environmentally and politically. E.G. a state that is strong economically may be more likely to pass environmental protections beyond federal minimums as these are expensive; a state that relies on a natural resource attraction for tourism, may also be more likely to enforce environmental protections.
Every state has its own approach to environmental policy and there are no set rules on what you should and should not cover in the presentation; however you should make sure to address at minimum 3 basic points.
1. Information about the state and environmental (and socio-economic) problems in the state – size (geographic and demographic) soils, population, major industries, major environmental concerns
2. Organization and contents of environmental Policy (Use policy cycle from class discussion)
3. Relationship with federal and local environmental land-use policy
Besides these 3 questions – ask yourself these critical questions:
1. Why did the state develop (or not develop) an environmental policy
2. Why did it choose this particular approach
3. Is this an environmental policy or a land use policy
4. Does this approach favor any particular interest –other than the environment
5. How well is it working for the environment and/or other interests
6. What are the strengths and shortcomings
7. Is the policy backed by adequate funding and qualified personnel?
