For Daniel Johnson

Task:

Using the response template and thread below, “Unethical activity of bribery”, provide a personal reply to the thread, adding additional thought and advancing the conversation.  Your reply can be in personal tense, I, you, we, etc.  Add only new thought and do not simple restate what the post already says. 

Requirements:

• 200 to 300 words (no more and no less, title page and reference page not counted in word count)

Sources: (must use APA 6th Edition Style)

• 2 Scholarly Journal that is peer reviewed (must have online link available). Use of TEXT BOOKS or COURSE BOOKS of any type is not authorized. 

• 1 reputable business magazine (must be a periodical, must be current, must provide online link)

• 1 Biblical quote.  (Must be relevant and used in the conclusion.  Use N

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Template: (Use this template for the reply)

Introduction

                Hi Sarah Bennet.  Thank you for post on the approach to reduce acid rain.  Read the post below, add more to the conversation…….  (use this as the intro)

Analytical Discussion

                Provide new ideas, research, and analysis that create a clear dialogue with the ideas in the thread you are responding to.     

Conclusion

                Wrap up and provide Biblical scripture to back up your argument.

References

• 2 Scholarly Journals that are peer reviewed (must have online link available) Use of TEXT BOOKS or COURSE BOOKS of any type is not authorized. 

• 1 reputable business magazine (must be a periodical, must be current)

• 1 Biblical quote.  Must be relevant and used in the conclusion

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Respond to this question and thread

Acid Rain: Do you think a command-and-control, or market-based regulatory approach would work better to reduce acid rain emissions, and why? (ch. 10)

The issue of acid rain has been around for quite some time, given that in 1990, United States implemented policies and requirements on companies’ emission of sulfur dioxide by utilities (Lawrence & Weber, 2017). This would lead one to believe that countries across the glove have been dealing with the repercussions of excessive emissions through the growing presence of acid rain. Today, the United States controls various aspects of land, air, and water pollution through either command and control regulation, or market-based mechanism policies.

            The implementation of the 1990 policy, called Title IV, changed the game when it came to controlling pollution. Up until that point, the government was operating underneath the umbrella of command and control regulation (Cramton, 2000). Underneath these regulations, companies were commanded by the government to adhere to certain standards, which truly had its benefits. Companies who are considered polluters were responsible for the surrounding air quality, or they were only allowed to emit a percentage of the ash produced by their plant (Lawrence & Weber, 2017).

            Now since Title IV, the U.S. government operates underneath the umbrella of market-based mechanisms, or cap-and-trade (Cramton, 2000). The idea behind this concept is that companies are allowed a certain emission level, or cap. If companies can function underneath of that cap, they are allowed to sell their remaining emission amount to companies who are unable to meet the emission requirements (Lawrence & Weber, 2017). This entire system is based on the notion of incentive. Companies who are operating underneath the emission level requirements can make extra money by selling their remaining emission amount. Companies who are struggling to operate underneath of this level are either forced to take on a new method of production that produces less emission, or they are required to spend money to buy another company’s surplus (“Carbon Pricing 101”, n.d.). Money talks, and companies are incentivized to comply with emission standards or end up spending more money to operate.

            Based on this information, it would seem that is more beneficial to operate underneath the market-based mechanisms method. The government can set the emission regulations, with the goal of decreasing the approved level to decrease the amount of harmful emissions. Companies are incentivized by money, and are therefore encouraged to decrease their level of emissions so that they are exempt from buying more emission rights. Holding companies to a standard of being responsible for the air quality in their area can be unfair to companies who operate in areas with already high pollution levels. Controlling air quality is not entirely in their control. But with market-based regulations, they are responsible for their impact on pollution and environment and incentivized by being environmentally friendly.

            In biblical terms, we are to be good stewards of this earth (Fischer, n.d.). The idea behind this in relation to this discussion is that Christians should be working towards being environmentally friendly, and this includes reducing acid rain. We should take care of God’s creation and be convicted about that (Fischer, n.d.). Humanity was given this earth as a temporary home in perfect condition, and we should be willing to do our part in keeping it in good shape for ourselves and coming generations.