Fall 2005 Workshop in Applied Earth Systems and Management: Designing Management Plans for Proposed Environmental Legislation

Students in Columbia University’s Masters in Public Administration program will have the opportunity to adopt a hands-on approach to their course this fall through a workshop series focusing on proposed environmental legislation.

The five workshops are taught simultaneously with the core curriculum, and seek to move beyond multi-disciplinary learning to integrative problem solving.

The workshop series, which started in the summer semester, deals with legislation relating to solid waste disposal, reducing water-borne diseases, marine debris and mercury emission, and the Kyoto Protocol. These topics are central issues in the two earth systems problem themes that will be the focus of study throughout the year.

In these workshops, students will simulate management innovation projects, and address the management problems associated with selecting and operating program changes over a one-year period. While conducting the management simulation, students learn first-hand the importance of both interpersonal relations and strategic thinking to the process of completing projects in an effective manner.

About halfway through the semester, students will present their midterm briefings, giving an overview of each project and each group’s program design. Their final briefings will finalize these original plans and will provide details on how they would staff, fund and manage the proposed program.

H.R. 274: Solid Waste Interstate Transportation Act of 2005-Faculty Advisor: Steve Cohen

Bill H.R. 274, introduced to the House of Representatives by Jo Ann Davis of Virginia, aims to impose limitations on out-of-state transfers of municipal solid waste (MSW). The bill arose out of constituent concerns and repeated calls to legislative offices in Virginia which is a net importer of MSW. Currently waste is transported by truck, train and barge, and is primarily disposed of by incineration and land filling. This method of waste management is problematic due to the gaseous emissions and groundwater contamination.

During the fall semester, students will continue to look at the case study of New York City, a large garbage exporter, and how the bill is likely to impact the city. Students will carry out critical analysis of H.R. 274 by examining the problem and the policy process, including political supporters and opponents and reasons for their support and opposition. Having identified the key issues in the bill, political players and precedents, and guidelines or restrictions to implementation, the next step is to generate several program design options following its enactment. These options will be evaluated based on feasibility, and an eventual decision upon one option over the others will determine further administrative actions.

Safe Water: Currency for Peace Act of 2005-Faculty Advisor: Blaine Pope

Each day, water-related diseases kill an estimated 14,000 people a day, most of whom are children. The problem of water contamination is growing and some analysts believe that by 2025, two-thirds of the global population may not have safe drinking water. The Safe Water: Currency for Peace Act aims, among other things, to authorize a five year funding pilot program to assist countries that have a high rate of water-borne diseases. During the fall semester, the students will further examine the proposed legislation and will develop a structural and organizational plan which will allow for a successful implementation of the five year funding pilot program. of contaminated water supplies in the developing world, and examined the proposed legislation.

The Kyoto Protocol: Reforestation and Afforestation programs, Carbon Trading and the Clean Development Mechanism-Faculty Advisor: Tanya Heikkila

The Kyoto Protocol, having been ratified by the targeted number of signatory countries, has started to be implemented. The Protocol outlines various mechanisms to facilitate achieving the emission reduction goals, one of which is the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). Currently, a working group is developing specific methodologies for reforestation and afforestation projects in the context of the CDM. During the fall semester, the team will develop a plan that the executive board of the CDM would use to implement their reforestation and afforestation projects.

S. 362: Marine Debris Research Prevention & Reduction Act-Faculty Advisor: Gary Weiskopff

Marine debris, in the form of trash, litter and fishing gear is one of the most pervasive and yet solvable pollution problems plaguing the world’s oceans and waterways. Research shows that marine debris poses a serious risk to marine wildlife such as whales and sea birds as well as sensitive habitats including coral reefs. Legislation S. 362, Marine Debris Research Prevention & Reduction, has been introduced to reduce and prevent the occurrence and adverse impacts of marine debris on the marine environment. During the fall semester, the team will carefully assess the legislation and develop an organizational plan that will focus on reducing the harmful impacts of marine debris on the environment.

S730: The Mercury Emission Act of 2005-Faculty Advisor: Tanya Heikkila

The Mercury Emission Act of 2005 directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations establishing emission limitations for mercury emissions by coal-fired electricity generating facilities, and increases funding for the National Atmospheric Deposition Program. During fall semester, the team will identify the administrative, budgetary, and regulatory tools that the EPA would need to use to reduce mercury emissions from coal-fire power plants under this piece of legislation.