80 likes | 229 Views
PSCI 3201 Environmental Policy 10/4/07. Ethics in contemporary environmental policy debate Water resources Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) B. Policy solutions from ethics. Cadillac Desert: An American Nile PBS film based on a book by Marc Reisner.
E N D
PSCI 3201 Environmental Policy10/4/07 • Ethics in contemporary environmental policy debate • Water resources • Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) B. Policy solutions from ethics
Cadillac Desert: An American NilePBS film based on a book by Marc Reisner • What were the underlying ethical arguments informing the development of water resources in the West? • Who were the winners and losers with regard to various water resource policy decisions?
A Continuum of Ethical Positions Regarding the Environment Ethical Position Belief -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Utilitarian Nature and resources are there to be used Conservationist Wise use; you use resources, but you use them according to rules Preservationist Protect wilderness in an untouched state Deep Ecologist Embrace a nonanthropocentric approach to protection of all species
Development of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) • 1960: Arctic National Wildlife Range established • 1980: Wildlife refuge status attained • House favored wilderness designation, precluding any development • Senate compromise: Section 1002 prohibits leasing, development, and production of oil and gas in the refuge unless authorized by Congress • Any change in ANWR status requires U.S. Congressional action
ANWR:Recent Legislative Efforts • Wilderness legislation: hands off ANWR • Energy legislation: open a section of ANWR to exploration and development • Annual budget resolution: assumption of revenues from oil