Order Description
Write an essay that talks about Environmental Policy and Programs and answer the following questions:

1. Explain briefly what the planning cycle is, including each of the components and a sentence on what each step contributes to the cycle. Finally, why is this cycle important to know and
understand for planners and architects in the process of public policy development.
2. What is NEPA, when was it signed into law, and under what President. Write a few sentences of why this law is important to planners and architects of all levels of government and what are the
three most significant components it put in place for environmental protection.
3. What role does the public play in the NEPA process.
4. What book did Rachel Carson write that impacted environmental policy more than any other book in history? Why was this book significant historically?
5. Explain why public meetings are important to planners and architects, what component of a public meeting is critical to the success of public support of policies and projects, and what role do
these public meetings play in the planning cycle.
6. Given all you’ve read and learned this semester about the ecologic condition of the planet now and if current consumption patterns continue tell me your views on whether you think Americans as a
whole are or are not changing their consumption habits? (An opinion question – you can use first person – please make this answer of an academic nature based on what you’ve learned here and beyond
and what you think the future holds).
7. Describe the role that the President and EPA play in implementing and enforcing or not enforcing Environmental Policy in the United States.
8. Describe the role that the Congress and the Courts play in implementing and enforcing or not Environmental Policy in the United States.
9. Describe the 3 eras or epochs in US environmental policy. Include time frames and the general description of what type of policies were most prevalent in each era.
10. In your own words define what an ecosystem is and how it reflects the more holistic view of environmental policy of the 3rd era/epoch as opposed to the media specific approaches of the past.
11. What is GPRA, when was it passed, and what was its primary goal.
12. You looked at the EPA strategic plan and there was a lecture available highlighting the key points. What are the key elements that a strategic plan that federal agencies are required to have
should include? (There are 6 elements)
13. What were the publicly espoused policies that explained why the United States did not sign on to the Kyoto Protocol. This was mentioned in the 11th hour video and some of your readings.
14. On the topic of climate change and global warming, in class discussions and videos seem to support that it is not debatable that the climate is changing, just how humans should plan for
potential impacts. What are your views – short description – on the idea of cost benefit approach to reduction of greenhouse gases through use of carbon trading?
15. In your words what is an ecologic footprint? What can you (as one person) do to reduce your ecologic footprint?