ApEc 3611 Environmental and Natural Resource Economics Spring 2011
Writing Assignment #2
Towards the end of Dr. Simons’ talk on March 29, he asked the question: “Is it worth $900 million to
block Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes?” This is a policy question with economic content.
Suppose you have been called to testify before the Senate on this question. You are going to argue
either that (1) there should be a permanent barrier or (2) there should not be a permanent barrier. You
get to decide which position to take, based on available evidence and economic ideas developed in this
class. In your testimony, you might focus on:
The nature of public goods
Ideas of Pareto and Potential Pareto improvements
Estimating costs and benefits
o What is in the $900 million figure?
o Discounting
The Coase Theorem
Aim for 1300 words (not including references and any figures). You should find and use at least five
outside sources, and cite these sources properly. (One interesting blog, especially if you are interested
in the law, is http://www.greatlakeslaw.org/blog/aquatic_invasive_species/). Part of your grade will
depend on the effectiveness and clarity of your writing.
Here are your due date choices:
Group Draft of best work you can do without external
review – you may share with your group for feedback
before this date.
Final paper due with an annotated attachment of
the changes you made from the previous draft
and why
A April 12 April 26
B April 14 April 28
Choose a due date for the first draft, and I will review your draft and get it back to you within a week.
The final paper will be due one week after that. You cannot change your due date once you have given
me your choice. I will circulate a sign‐up sheet in class.