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Story: States Seek
Stricter Car Emissions Standards, 05/29/07
Reading Comprehension Questions: 1. What is California proposing to regulate? Why?
2. What are the goals of the 2002 California emissions law?
3. Why does California have to negotiate with the federal government to implement this law?
4. What role has the U.S. Supreme Court play in this situation?
5. What group is the major critic of the proposed legislation? Why are they opposed?
6. When has the government said it will make a decision? How has California responded?
Discussion Activity (more research might be needed): 1. What do you think is the right decision in this case? Should the EPA grant a waiver to California to regulate greenhouse gas emissions? Why or why not? How do the rights of states compare with the rights of the federal government in this case? 2. As a class, create your own set of rules for limiting greenhouse gas emissions in your state? Where would you start? What would be part of the agreement? What sources of pollution would you target first? 3. What has your city or community done to limit greenhouse gas emissions? Are there other things your community could do? If so, draw up a plan to present to community leaders. What might be the best way to get more people involved in your plan? 4. Do you think environmental issues get as much attention as they should? Why or why not?
Write a 300-500 word essay on any of these topics providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra (extra@newshour.org). Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site. |