Discussion question

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 increasing

cancer risks and environmental degradation. However, if passed, this law will likely bankrupt

the town and most of its citizens. Based on the first letter of your last name, address the

appropriate questions below:

• If the first letter of your last name starts with the letter A–M, make a strong argument

for passing the law to close the plant (regardless of how you personally feel). How will

you deal with the issue of unemployment and economic decline in the face of closing

the plant? Discuss the pros and cons of closing the plant and how you feel the pros

outweigh the cons. Are there any creative ways to solve both issues while closing the

plant?