Select an environmental problem of interest to you. 15% Discuss the origins and economics dimensions of the problem.

Final Paper/Exam for Environmental Economics 260

PART 1: Research Paper (about 10 pages) (280 points)

– Pollution of air will be the Topic
Select an environmental problem of interest to you.
15% Discuss the origins and economics dimensions of the problem. For example, what are its history, size, and costs.
20 % Discuss the economic factors and processes that give rise to the problem. Examples might include the nature of the market incentive system, the existence of externalities, and its character as a public good or a common property resource.
Find examples of attempted solutions to the problem utilizing different approaches discussed briefly discuss an advantage and disadvantage of each approach. Consult your text. This part of the paper will help you prepare for the final. Approaches to be sought. :
15% Command and control
15% Incentive based regulation
15% Clean Technology
10% Criminal Law
10%Civil action (Search to see if you can find a law case that addresses the problem)

You will be graded according to how well you fulfill the assignment. Any parts left out will subtract points from your overall grade. Also, you MUST site your sources, including in-text citations and a complete bibliography. Penalties will be given if citations are not complete.

PART 2: Activist Email #2 (80 points)

Based on what youve learned from your research paper, you will develop an activist email.
Locate a public official who could do something about the problem and write a one page policy letter to that official making a policy recommendation you agree with. The letter/email should include:
A clear concise definition of the problem
A clear short explanation of the economic costs
A clear short description of a policy that they can affect and that you believe will help
A clear short statement of why the policy will help
A clear short statement of the economic benefits of the policy.

The idea is to express your knowledge in two short paragraphs that fit on the page including the salutation and ending. It is your research paper that will enable you to write this and I will give you points according to how well you cover the above issues and reflect your research. Of course, the letter/email should be sent and should include the appropriate address.

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