Advocacy Project: Issue Overview!

Introduction

The current issue that I’m looking at is toxic emissions from major sources (i.e. industries).

A bill regarding this issue that’s currently being reviewed is H.R.235: Cut Unsustainable and Top-Heavy Spending Act of 2011. The title of this bill is 21st Century Energy Independence Act of 2011. Sponsor: Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [TX-18] (introduced 1/7/2011)

Whom does this issue affect?

The people that are affected the most by this issue are low-income citizens who live in areas polluted by toxic emissions from factories and the owner’s of the businesses with the factories in question. The owners have the most to lose out of this bill because it would force them to have to change the current methods of product development in their factories. The people who stand to gain the most are those who live in the polluted areas and would see a decrease in the toxic emissions in the air around them.

What are the consequences?

For those who own the factories they may have to spend extra money on either new manufacturing systems or more expensive, cleaner ways to produce products. That said, they likely will still have lots of money so their families shouldn’t be affected at all. The low-income population will likely see an increase in health conditions for themselves and their families. Society in areas affected by toxic emissions will see an increase in quality of life while other locations will see little change.

What is the economic impact?

The industries that create the toxic emissions will carry most of the financial burden in regards to reducing emissions, though I’m sure State or National funding will play a role as well. I don’t think anyone will benefit directly from this bill in an economic sense.

 

What’s the social impact of the issue?

The only social costs I can see would be on the industries that have to change the ways. New methods of product may take a toll on the employees at the factories. Social benefits will be apparent in the civilian populations living around the factories and will be reflected in quality of life

What are the barriers?

The only barriers I could see would come from oppositions to the bill by the heads of the affected industries of contrary view points from the apposing political party in the House of Representatives. I think they could be overcome with factual data support the bill’s cause and overwhelming evidence of the publics support of the bill.

What are the resources?

The resources that will be needed are funding and regulation of the program. I believe both of these resources would be best supplied through the US Government. Founding could be achieved by a raise in taxes on certain forms of waste disposal or raised taxes on the general population.

What is the history of the issue?

The issue of toxic emissions hasn’t been around for to terribly long, and measures to control it have only been developed in the past 30 years or so. That said, there have already been extensive amounts of bill past on the regulation of toxic emissions into the environment. Though most programs have found a degree of success, there still is much more that needs to be done.

Allies & Opponents

People who would support this issue are environmentalist and citizens who live in areas polluted by the toxic emissions of large industries. Those who oppose it would consist of affected business executives and individuals resistant to government intervention and regulation. I can involve the two sides of the issue by trying to take an increased value approach. By finding a way to improve profits and productivity for industries through cleaner emissions and product development I believe we could reach a win/win scenario.

My Recommendation

I would want policy makers to vote in favor of the bill. The industries that produce the toxic emissions will make profit even with cleaner practices so I see ne reason not to try and improve their effect on the air in our environment.