Environmental Issues
Environmental Issue #1: Global Warming
Global warming, or climate change, is an increase in the earth's atmospheric temperature since the late nineteenth century. In politics the debate over global warming is centered on whether this increase in temperature is due to greenhouse gas emissions or is the result of a natural pattern in the earth's temperature. (Info and poll from www.isidewith.com.)
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Environmental Issue #2: National Parks
The U.S. currently has 59 areas of land in 27 different states that are designated as National Parks by the federal government. The National Park Service Organic Act was signed into law in 1916 "To conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." (Info and poll from www.isidewith.com.)
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Environmental Issue #3: Genetically Engineered Food
Currently, GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) foods in the United States are not classified differently by the FDA and do not require labeling. Although no reports of ill effects from GMO foods have been documented, advocacy groups such as Greenpeace and the Organic Consumers Association argue that past studies cannot be trusted because they were sponsored by pro-GMO companies and do not measure the long-term effects on humans, the environment, and nature. Opponents argue that labeling adds an unfounded stigma over organic foods and that if a nutritional or allergenic difference were found, current FDA regulations would already require a label. (Info and poll from www.isidewith.com.)
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Environmental Issue #4: Hydraulic Fracking
Fracking is the process of extracting oil or natural gas from shale rock. Water, sand and chemicals are injected into the rock at high pressure which fractures the rock and allows the oil or gas to flow out to a well. While fracking has significantly boosted oil production, there are environmental concerns that the process is contaminating groundwater. (Info and poll from www.isidewith.com.)
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Environmental Issue #5: Offshore Drilling
In 1990, President George H.W. Bush passed an executive order banning all offshore drilling in U.S. coastal waters. In response to rising gas prices in 2008 President George W. Bush lifted the ban. Currently, there are 3,500 offshore oil rigs, 79 of which are deep water wells. (Info and poll from www.isidewith.com.)
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Environmental Issue #6: Wind Power
As of July 2013, nearly 4% of all electricity generated in the U.S. is produced by wind turbines. By installing wind turbines on their properties farmers can earn up to tens of thousands of dollars per year in tax credits. Since 2008 these tax credits have amounted to more than $14 Billion. (Info and poll from www.isidewith.com.)
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