Discussion

This week, you learned about how urban growth can affect sustainability and how laws and regulations are often used to limit the environmental damage done by sprawl. For your engagement activity this week, pretend that you live in a town with a potential water pollution problem. In your town, pollution rates are higher than average due to a large manufacturing plant that employs 75% of the town located along the river. Cancer rates and wildlife death in the town are higher than nearby cities and pollution caused by the plant is the suspected reason. A potential law is being introduced that will shut down the plant to stop the increased cancer risks and environmental degradation. However, if passed, this law will likely bankrupt the town and most of its citizens. Address the appropriate questions below:

• Make a strong argument for rejecting the law to close the plant (regardless of how you personally feel). 
• How will you deal with rising cancer rates in the community with the plant continuing to operate? 
• Discuss the pros and cons of keeping the plant and how you feel the pros outweigh the cons. Are there any creative ways to solve both issues while keeping the plant?