Oil and Gas Environmental Documentation Guidance Based on Existing Environmental Assessment Documentation

The hard push for domestic oil and gas production suggests a developing divergence from environmentally sound practices. As states feel the pressure to match energy growth to national need, adequate consideration for the surrounding environment should continue to be a high priority. Through an analyses of twelve environmental assessment documents, recommendations for an oil and gas specific environmental assessment documentation guidance has been created. Guidance recommendations for the affected environment, mitigation options, alternatives, public comment process and the overall approach to an environmental assessment document is outlined within this capstone.

Genetically Engineered Crops: A Study of Major Environmental Implications and U.S. Policy

The adoption of genetically modified crops is becoming evermore common in United States agriculture. However, this relatively new technology carries a negative stigma and perceived risks that have resulted commonly in public disapproval. In the United States, bioengineered crops are highly regulated. The significance of environmental benefits such as decreased chemical impact, increased soil conservation, heightened carbon sequestration, decreased energy demands, and reduced air emissions, are important enough to warrant a revision to U.S. policy. The U.S. policy structure needs to be simplified and made more efficient to better facilitate the speed with which new GE products can, and should, be developed while still providing adequate mitigation of potential environmental risks such as species invasiveness and impacts on non-target species.