Research Center

Listed below are websites to provide additional information for students to fully understand the issues in the February 2012 issue of The Student Forum.

Websites for additional study:

Building the Keystone XL pipeline:

Higher energy standards for light bulbs:

Issue #1—Approving the Keystone XL pipeline from Canada

What are your thoughts on the extraction of tar sands in relation to the environment and global warming?
If the pipeline is rerouted around the Sandhill region in Nebraska, should the State Department recommend approving the pipeline’s construction?
What effect do you think importing the Canadian tar sands oil would have on the amount of oil the U.S. currently imports from other countries? Explain your answer.
What environmental safeguards do you think should be implemented to protect against spills and the increased release of pollutants into the air from the oil’s extraction?
Do you think Congress has the constitutional authority to override the President’s decision, or would such a move be a violation of the separation of powers? Why or why not?

Issue #2—Requiring higher energy standards for light bulbs

Do you think that the federal government implementing new energy-efficient lighting standards is an inappropriate intrusion into our lives? Explain your answer.
Because the newer bulbs cost more money up front, but would save significantly on energy lighting costs, do you believe the new standards would hurt lower income families? Why or why not?
The government has been setting energy efficiency standards on home appliances for many years, so why do you think this is different and has become such a controversial subject?
Will the lack of funds for enforcement of the new standards through the end of the fiscal year have any effect on compliance with the law by manufacturers?
Does your family use energy-efficient bulbs? Why or why not?

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