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ENVIRONMENT INTRODUCTION One of the most
important topics on the political landscape this year is the perceived contradiction between environmental protection and job creation. The polarization of this issue has dominated the discussion in Congress and in some
communities in New Mexico. The purpose of this seminar is to provide an opportunity to discuss and explore the issues involved in the environment and jobs debate. By internalizing and debating all sides of this
issue, you will be better able to understand both sides of the issue and come to your own conclusions. You may find the issues to be more complicated and interconnected than expected. To guide our discussion, we
are all going to become members of a simulated community called Simmeon. Simmeon is facing a dilemma regarding the future of the community. National Power Supply (NPS) wants to build a hydroelectric dam across the
Beautimus River which flows through town. The local chamber of commerce believes the dam is a good idea and that it will bring high paying jobs to town. In the short term, construction of the dam will facilitate job
creation. In the long term, low electricity rates may bring manufacturing facilities and jobs to town. There are several people in the community who feel that the dam would bring much needed growth to the
community. At the same time, several business leaders in the central business district who are committed to utilizing Simmeon's natural resources are actively working against the building of the dam. The city council is
going to determine the fate of the Dam Project. Your exercise involves debating the issue before the City Council. At the end of the debate, a vote will be taken to determine the outcome. As a group we will
discuss all sides of the dam development. You will be examining such issues as standard of living, quality of life, impact on the education system, environmental regulation, future direction of the community, as well as
others. After we have discussed these issues, you will be assigned a position in the community which includes your profession, age, marital status, number of children, and special designations. Based on this
profile, you will decide which side of the issue you are on. Five of you will be selected (at random) to serve as city councilors. |
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