NEWS STORIES ON FEDERAL AGENCIES
Recall that in the introduction part of this lesson, you were asked to review a headline regarding a mining project in Alaska's Bristol Bay. Now it's up to you to conduct your own news search. Search the Internet regarding news stories in the past week or two (or month if necessary), and see what you can find. You can enter search terms if you want to look up specific agencies such as the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Transportation Security Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and so on. You decide which areas are of specific interest to you.
Summarize two of the news stories. Make sure to note the following:
1. the name of the agency or agencies involved
2. the parties affected by the decision
3. if the period for comment is still open
4. if a decision has already been reached
5. the decision would you make in such a situation
Your project should be at least 750 words in length. Make sure that you provide a link and date to each of your summaries. You can also look up potential stories through the Federal Register daily announcements, which is source provided in the previous lesson (www.federalregister.gov)
Submission Requirements:
-Summarize the requested information intelligibly.
-Proofread for spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
-Use complete sentence structure and standard written English. Do not use texting abbreviations or other shortcuts.
-Make sure all that paragraphs have a minimum of six sentences.
Sample Solution
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently announced its decision to grant a Clean Water Act Section 404 permit to Northern Dynasty Minerals, developers of the Pebble Mine project in Alaska’s Bristol Bay. The news was met with mixed reactions from various stakeholders such as local tribes, salmon fisherman, and environmental activists. Those who are supportive of the mine argue that it would bring jobs and economic benefits to the community.
News Story #1:
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently announced its decision to grant a Clean Water Act Section 404 permit to Northern Dynasty Minerals, developers of the Pebble Mine project in Alaska’s Bristol Bay. The news was met with mixed reactions from various stakeholders such as local tribes, salmon fisherman, and environmental activists. Those who are supportive of the mine argue that it would bring jobs and economic benefits to the community. Conversely, opponents claim that the potential for environmental damage associated with copper mining is too great a risk for the bay region's natural resources which contain critically important salmon runs.
EPA Regional Administrator Chris Hladick stated that “the project will be subject to strict requirements including mitigation efforts for any adverse impacts," but opponents remain skeptical about what kind of damages might arise from this new development. They also point out that public comment periods have been largely absent from EPA decisions regarding Pebble Mine so far and urge them to open up their process further before granting final approval on the permit. Many are concerned about how they will be affected if this new industrial operation moves forward and believe they should be given an opportunity to voice their opinions before any final decisions are made.
Overall, many Alaskan locals feel like their voices have not been taken into consideration by EPA officials when making these sorts of decisions concerning major developments in their region - leaving them feeling powerless over their own environment and livelihoods going forward.
News Story #2:
A federal court has recently determined that Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC) can move forward with plans to construct a road through Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska despite opposition from environmentalists who view it as a threat to several endangered species living there now or expected in future years due to climate change-induced migration patterns. This ruling overturns an earlier decision made by former Interior Secretary Sally Jewell which blocked ASRC’s proposal on grounds that it would irreparably harm wildlife habitat within this protected area which includes critical spawning areas for Pacific salmons among other animals native only to this region of Alaska coastlines.
ASRC argues they need this access route as part of an agreement between themselves and King Cove Corporation aiming at improving medical care availability for residents living along isolated Aleutian Island communities; however, numerous fish habitats located just beyond where proposed road construction would take place could be compromised according to reports issued jointly by U.S Fish & Wildlife Service along with National Marine Fisheries Service back in 2013 - raising serious questions about potential long-term effects on regional biodiversity coming out of this endeavor if implemented today without further review or modifications being made first.. As yet no official comments have been released following court decision allowing ASRC build road through Izemebek refuge thus public comment period may still remain open even though preliminary green light granted per existing plan presented 2017.. In my opinion more discussion needs happen taking into account all sides involved since cannot ignore detrimental impact potentially caused destroying part wild life sanctuary sake few miles travel path rights way move forward situation such as one outlined here carefully considering interests both sides parties meeting table reach agreeable compromise protects funding sources businesses while still preserving healthy ecosystem able support sustainable fishing industry thriving near future after roads already built..