Give an overview of the Public Trust Doctrine

Give an overview of the Public Trust Doctrine. What is it? What are its strengths and weaknesses? Discuss what is covered under doctrine. Do you think it should be expanded to protect other environmental resources, and if so, which ones?

Give an overview of the Public Trust Doctrine

Please answer each of the following questions thoroughly. A minimum word limit has been specified for each question but this is a minimum only, please use as many words as necessary to completely answer the questions. You can add your answers directly to this Word document, place your name on the top, and submit it in Blackboard by the end of the week (see schedule for due date).

The only resource you may use is your textbook and you must cite the page numbers (e.g., Salzman and Thompson, pg. 46) in your answers when you have included information from the book.

Be careful not to plagiarize and do not use quotes except in rare circumstances; paraphrase the material instead.
NOTE: You should write 1 essay for each chapter and it should address all aspects of the discussion question in a well-organized, cohesive essay that draws from information provided in the textbook. In other words, do not just repeat each section of the question then write an answer to it.

EXAM QUESTIONS

Chapter 10 – Public Trust Doctrine: (minimum 800 words)
Give an overview of the Public Trust Doctrine. What is it? What are its strengths and weaknesses? Discuss what is covered under doctrine. Do you think it should be expanded to protect other environmental resources, and if so, which ones?
[If you need more information than is in the textbook, read the paper at: http://wildlife.org/wp- content/uploads/2014/05/ptd_10-1.pdf]

Chapter 11 – Energy: (minimum 500 words)
Discuss how the United States should balance the goals of reducing carbon emissions, increasing energy independence, and protecting the economy. Discuss how and which renewable energies fit into this equation.

Chapter 12 – NEPA: (minimum 500 words)
Explain in detail NEPA and EIS. What are they? Discuss NEPAs reach (who has to comply with them and who does not). Also, discuss the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of NEPA in protecting the environment.

Conservation Law, Conservation Easements & Land Trusts: (minimum 800 words)
Discuss changes in Texas land trends and how conservation easements and land trusts may be needed in private lands conservation. Explain what conservation easements are, what they do, and who administers them. Discuss the pros and cons of this tool and give your opinion as to whether you think they are a good idea for private landowners in Texas (be sure to explain your opinion).