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Memo #1: Wind Energy
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Directions:
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| As the technology for wind turbines has
improved, it is becoming increasingly possible to use them to generate
substantial sources of power. One of the potential areas for
widespread application is along the eastern seaboard. Below is an
article on a conflict occurring in Nantucket Sound. Additional
information on the controversy's surrounding wind power and some web links
can be found below as well or by searching on the internet. Imagine
you are policy analyst in the Massachusetts coastal zone management
program. Your boss has been asked you to prepare a short memo
analyzing the controversy. Be sure to summarize the situation,
describe the merits of wind power, identify the sources of the conflict,
and the problems associated with the specific proposal. In general
terms, what are going to be the sources of conflict in all such similar
proposals for offshore wind farms. Given the growing number of proposals
on the eastern seaboard for offshore wind farms, your boss thinks that the
agency should have a policy to evaluate future proposals for offshore wind
farms and decide how to balance environmental protection with the
development of this offshore resource. Be sure to include some
recommendations in your memo. |
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Web Resources/Handouts
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Written Format
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| This assignment should take the form of memo.
It is limited to 2 single-spaced, 12 point font pages, with 1 inch margins
and must be in a standard memo format (most word processing software has
templates). The reason that a memo format is required is that it is
the standard means of communication in the world of business and
government. Thus, this assignment will help develop your ability to
analyze policy questions and to think, act, and communicate more
effectively about environmental issues and problems. |
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Grading
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| Your memos will be evaluated based on your analysis of
the problem, the organization of your ideas, your ability to properly
apply the theories, concepts, and legal precedents discussed in class and
the quality of your writing (e.g., spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.).
Your goal is to write as clearly, concisely, and directly as possible.
Elegance of style, while desirable, is a secondary consideration.
Short declarative sentences often convey ideas equally well; convoluted
grammar confuses things and often leads to misunderstandings.
Remember that you are trying to convey your ideas to people who have
infinite demands on their time. A simple, direct style economizes on
time. |
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