***This is paper #1

Before building a new power plant, a utility company must gain permission and procure the required permits for construction from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  At this time, the policy of the EPA is to limit construction of power plants to clean burning natural gas systems (to reduce emissions of CO2).  One result of this policy is the reluctance of utility companies to build new power plants. California has recently experienced serious problems with their ability to provide enough electricity for its residents because of this reason.  One result of this problem is that utility rates in California jumped 500% to 600% in a one-year period. With the above information in mind, write a short essay of at least 1 page (10 point font, double-spaced, Times New Roman font) discussing pros and cons of this EPA policy.  Be sure to keep in mind things like environmental impacts but also issues relating to social impacts due to higher electrical prices. Post your paper to the dropbox in D2L.

** This is paper #2…

Go to the EPA Groundwater Report (http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwinfo/index.html ) web site.  Click on the state in which you live. Once your state information loads up, find the water system or district that serves your home (or the nearest system to you) by clicking on the blue “your water quality report” link near the middle of the page under the header “The Water You Drink”.  Review any information on the water quality or past violations for your system.  Write a short essay of at least 1 page (10 point font, double-spaced, Times New Roman font) discussing issues related to groundwater in your state and the area of the state in which you live.  You can also use Google to search for any information you might find relevant.  Be sure and tell me the state in which you live.  Post your paper to the dropbox in D2L.