Answer to Question 1
Climate issues associated with global warming from carbon dioxide emissions could limit the amount of coal burned in the United States, especially with the help of campaigns like Beyond Coal.
Answer to Question 2
Since some problems cross state lines (such as acid rain, water pollution, and ozone depletion), the federal government needs to have a role in environmental policy. Unfortunately, history shows that the administration and political party in power at a particular time has an enormous effect on the way policies are enforced. Through subsidies and tariffs, the federal government can encourage practices that are not environmentally sound. Ideally, the federal government should have the ability to enact and enforce laws but have a limited ability to change or undermine these laws depending on who or what party is in office, or which corporation or interests have the strongest influence. State governments should have the ability to have stronger policies than the federal government. For example, some states have stricter rules on the uses of wetlands or have bottle laws; however, states should not have the ability to usurp or undermine federal policy.
Fossil from the Carboniferous period
Fossil mosasaur Prognathodon, a varanoid
Iceland Geothermal Resources
Gary Alvis, The Painted Hills, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Oregon.
As the world’s population continues to grow, demands on limited resources for food production
Fossil Skeleton: Ichthyosaur