Hey Robert, I am going to put the assessment context for the paper at the end of the question along with the scoring guide. As long as I don’t score in the “non-performance” category I am good. Thanks again.
Write 3–4 pages in which you outline the pros and cons of a selected method of energy production.By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:
To deepen your understanding, you are encouraged to consider the questions below and discuss them with a fellow learner, a work associate, an interested friend, or a member of the business community.
The purpose of this assessment is to evaluate alternative energy sources and to understand that there are positives and negatives to the alternatives.To begin this assessment, research a specific renewable source of energy. Then, in a 3–4-page report, outline the pros and cons of this method of energy production. To build your argument and support your evaluation, address the following:
Use the APA Paper Template (linked in the Resources under the Required Resources heading) to format your report.
Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a process used to extract natural gas from once unreachable shale rock layers deep in the earth. To release the natural gas, highly pressurized fracking fluids (water mixed with various chemicals and sand) are injected, via steel pipe, into the ground to create cracks or fractures. This releases gas which flows to the surface to be collected in wells. Environmental concerns associated with fracking include water use, toxic chemicals, health concerns, surface and ground water contamination, soil contamination, air quality, and waste disposal.One of the most important aspects of any energy policy is energy
conservation. As consumer demand for oil drops, prices decline; and the length of time oil can be relied on is extended. To help reduce oil use, government regulations (NHTSA, 2014) have required greater fuel efficiency in cars through the creation of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. Congress has also required the phasing out of incandescent light bulbs in favor of the more energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. Like many new technologies, the upside of the compact fluorescent’s energy saving capacity is countered by the downside that compact fluorescents require the toxic chemical, mercury, for their production.There are many alternatives to using petroleum and coal for energy, but each comes with a unique set of problems. Most
new technologies, like solar and wind power, are very costly to start up. Nuclear energy has its own unique drawbacks.Using
nuclear energy is attractive to many because the technology is already in place, and it can generate large amounts of electricity from one plant. But the risks associated with nuclear energy are high. For example, there is no current solution as to how to deal with nuclear waste. No matter how carefully built and maintained a nuclear plant may be, there is always the risk of an accident. Further, nuclear plants can also be a target for terrorist activity, and the nuclear waste can be used to power nuclear weapons.It is certain that we will see the emergence of new energy technology, but it seems unlikely at this point there will be one simple answer. Wind, solar, and geothermal energy are useful in certain geographic areas, but it will take many different solutions to fulfill the energy demands of the worldwide population.
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). (2014). Energy in brief. Retrieved from
http://www.eia.gov/energy_in_brief/article/major_e…
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). (2014). CAFE – Fuel economy. Retrieved from http://www.nhtsa.gov/fuel-economy
CRITERIA | NON-PERFORMANCE | BASIC | PROFICIENT | DISTINGUISHED |
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Assess the economic issues associated with renewable energy technology. | Does not describe the economic issues associated with renewable energy technology. | Describes the economic issues associated with renewable energy technology. | Assesses the economic issues associated with renewable energy technology. | Analyzes and evaluates the economic issues associated with renewable energy technology. Discusses possible sources of funding the technology. |
Analyze the risks to human health associated with renewable energy technology. | Does not describe the risks to human health associated with renewable energy technology. | Describes the risks to human health associated with renewable energy technology. | Analyzes risks to human health associated with renewable energy technology. | Analyzes and evaluates the risks to human health associated with renewable energy technology. |
Illustrate the positives associated with renewable energy technology. | Does not list the positives associated with renewable energy technology. | Lists the positives associated with renewable energy technology. | Illustrates the positives associated with renewable energy technology. | Analyzes positives associated with renewable energy technology. |
Illustrate the negatives associated with renewable energy technology. | Does not list the negatives associated with renewable energy technology. | Lists the negatives associated with renewable energy technology. | Illustrates the negatives associated with renewable energy technology. | Analyzes the negatives associated with renewable energy technology. |
Write coherently to support a central idea in appropriate format with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics. | Does not write in support a central idea in appropriate format. Does not use correct grammar, usage, and mechanics. | Writes in support of an idea with consistent format, but includes major errors of grammar, usage, and mechanics. | Writes coherently to support a central idea in appropriate format with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics. | Writes coherently, using evidence to support a central idea in a consistently appropriate format, with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics. |