Topicality 2 Week 21

8/14/2019 Topicality 2 Week 21

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WNDI 2008 1Topicality

Topicality

Topicality.....................................................................................................................................................................1

Topicality .........................................................................................................................................1

A2: ASPEC.................................................................................................................................................................3

A2: ASPEC .....................................................................................................................................3

T USFG (Not performance).....................................................................................................................................4

T USFG (Not performance) .......................................................................................................4

T Substantially (Not Minor).....................................................................................................................................5

T Substantially (Not Minor) .......................................................................................................5

T Alternative Energy (Renewable)...........................................................................................................................6

T Alternative Energy (Renewable) ............................................................................................6

T Alternative Energy (Not Nuclear).........................................................................................................................7

T Alternative Energy (Not Nuclear) ..........................................................................................7

T Alternative Energy (Not Conservation)................................................................................................................8

T Alternative Energy (Not Conservation) .................................................................................8

T Incentive (Positive)...............................................................................................................................................9

T Incentive (Positive) ..................................................................................................................9

Alternative Energy Incentive (Not Regulation)........................................................................................................10

Alternative Energy Incentive (Not Regulation) ........................................................................10

Alternative Energy Incentives (Funding for Development)......................................................................................11

Alternative Energy Incentives (Funding for Development) .....................................................11Alternative Energy (Not Fossil Fuels)......................................................................................................................12

Alternative Energy (Not Fossil Fuels) ........................................................................................12

Alternative Energy (Not Fossil Fuels, Gas, Coal, Nuclear Power)...........................................................................13

Alternative Energy (Not Fossil Fuels, Gas, Coal, Nuclear Power) ..........................................13

Alternative Energy (Natural Gas).............................................................................................................................14

Alternative Energy (Natural Gas) ..............................................................................................14

Alternative Energy (Not Natural Gas)......................................................................................................................15

Alternative Energy (Not Natural Gas) .......................................................................................15Alternative Energy (Not Nuclear Power)..................................................................................................................16

Alternative Energy (Not Nuclear Power) ..................................................................................16

Alternative Energy (Renewables).............................................................................................................................17

Alternative Energy (Renewables) ...............................................................................................17

Alternative Energy (Fluid Meaning).........................................................................................................................18

Alternative Energy (Fluid Meaning) ..........................................................................................18


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Incentive (Motivator)................................................................................................................................................19

Incentive (Motivator) ...................................................................................................................19

Incentive (Not Regulation)........................................................................................................................................20

Incentive (Not Regulation) ..........................................................................................................20

Incentive (Positive)...................................................................................................................................................21Incentive (Positive) .......................................................................................................................21

Incentive (Negative or Positive)...............................................................................................................................22

Incentive (Negative or Positive) ..................................................................................................22


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A2: ASPEC

We meet the USFG is our actor. They lose zero ground.

Counter-definition - the means all parts

Merriam-Webster's Online, no date, http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary accessed March 23, 2002

4 -- used as a function wordbefore a noun or a substantivized adjective to indicate reference to a group as awhole

The US is three branchesPrinceton University WordNet1997, http://www.dictionary.com/cgi-bin/dict.pl?term=united%20states, accessedMay 25, 2001u nited s tates : 2: the executive and legislative and judicial branches of the federal government of the US

Counter-interpretation: A discussion of normal means should determine implementation.That leads to educational research and debate, is just as predictable. [It also gives them theircounterplan ground: a standard of functional competition should determine exclusivity]

Counter-interpretation A discussion of normal means is bestA. Specification is extra-topical unrelated advantages hose neg groundB. Provides better real world educationC. Ensures neg ground lit is the only way to determine what will happen, otherwisethere are an infinite number of ways we can fiat implementation

3. No ground loss. We dont weasel out of links. Dont vote on potential abuse.

4. No brightline and infinitely regressive specification forces 9 minute plan texts

5. CX checks affs have the right to clarify, its their burden to get clarifications

6. Process counterplans arent negative ground. They beg the question of the resolution,focus debate on minutia instead of substance, decrease education, force vague plan writingand steal aff ground

8. No resolutional basis. Competitive skew is inevitable. Specificity is extra-topical.


4/22


T USFG (Not performance)

A Definition The US is three branchesPrinceton University WordNet1997, http://www.dictionary.com/cgi-bin/dict.pl?term=united%20states, accessedMay 25, 2001united states: 2: the executive and legislative and judicial branches of the federal government of the US

B Violation The affirmative does not defend Federal Government action only personaldiscourse

C Standards 1 Limits and predictability there are an infinite number of personal advocaciesthat we could never prepare for.2 Ground we cant read attacks on individual advocacies because no one writesabout college debaters and what they think we should do. Additionally, they can shiftout of all of our core negative strategies, which all assume governmental action.3 Education Plan-focused education is key to good decision making personal

discourse encourages negative teams to run theory, hindering education.

D Topicality is a voter for reasons of fairness, ground, education, and jurisdiction


5/22


T Substantially (Not Minor)

A - Interpretation - Substantially means Ato a great extent or degree@PrincetonUniversity, (WordNet) 1997

To a great extent or degree; AI=m afraid the film was well over budget@; Apainting the room white made it seem

considerably (or substantially) larger@; Athe house has fallen considerably in value@; Athe price went upsubstantially@ [syn: well, considerably] 2: in a strong substantial way; Athe house was substantially built@

B - Violation - the affirmative only decreases total consumption a minor amount. It is theaffs duty to show their overall significance to energy policy as a whole.

C - Standards

1 - Limits - there are infinite numbers of small decreases in consumption and only alimited number of great ones. The negative interpretation is most predictable. Theaff justifies cases that only deal with a small subset of consumption like themanufacture of cosmetics

2 - Ground - Our definition prevents the aff from spiking out of our politics orspending links, claiming that the plan wont be perceived or cost much.

3 - Stock Issues - our definition forces the affirmative to meet the burdens of stockissues.

4 Framers Intent - Remember, the word substantially is in the resolution for areason. It shouldn=t be cast aside like a random adverb.

D - Voters -

FairnessEducationGroundJurisdictionResolutional Question


6/22


T Alternative Energy (Renewable)

A Definition Alternative Energy means renewablesMSN Encarta Online Dictionary, 2008

naturally generated energy source: any form of energy obtained from the Sun, wind, waves, or anothernatural renewable source, in contrast to energy generated from fossil fuels

B Violation Plan incentivizes an energy source that relies on finite and non-renewablenatural resources

C StandardsLimits Our definition excludes cases like oil drilling and Nuclear Power, but still allowsgood aff cases like RPS or Solar Power. Limits are key to in depth education and clash

Ground we cant read evidence about renewables, which destroys predictable pre-roundpreparation

D Voters Topicality is a voter for fairness and ground and because the aff mustunconditionally prove the resolution is true


7/22


T Alternative Energy (Not Nuclear)

A Definition Nuclear energy is not alternative energyChristopherSimon, (Prof., Political Science, U. Nevada, Reno), ALTERNATIVE ENERGY: POLITICAL,ECONOMIC, AND SOCIAL FEASIBILITY, 07, 39-40.

The federal definition of alternative energy is best summarized by Title 26, chapter 79, 7701 of therevised U.S. Code: "the term 'alternative energy facility' means a facility for producing electrical or thermalenergy ifthe primary energy source for the facility is not oil, natural gas, coal, or nuclear power."

B Violation the plan provides an incentive for nuclear power, which is not alternativeenergy because it relies on the mining of uranium, which is a finite resource

C StandardsLimits Our definition excludes cases like Natural Gas and Nuclear Power, but still allowsgood aff cases like RPS or Solar Power. Limits are key to in depth education and clash

Ground we cant read evidence about renewables, which destroys predictable pre-round

preparationD Voters Topicality is a voter for fairness and ground and because the aff mustunconditionally prove the resolution is true


8/22


T Alternative Energy (Not Conservation)

A Definition Alternative Energy excludes conservationHermann Scheer, (Member of the German Bundestag), ENERGY AUTONOMY: THE ECONOMIC, SOCIALAND TECHNOLOGICAL CASE FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY, 2007, 197.

The oft-cited statement, 'the greatest energy source is energy conservation', is wrong on two counts:first, energy conservation is not an energy source but instead simply reduces the demand for energy; andsecond, with nonrenewable energy the potential for energy conservation is always smaller than the amount ofnon-renewable energy's total consumption, since there is no such thing as a perpetual motion machine.

B Violation Plan doesnt increase alternative energy. It only decreases and conservestraditional energy

C StandardsLimits Their definition allows any affs concerned with energy efficiency like CAF.We allow affs that encourage the development of new technology like OTEC andSolar Panels

Education The core topic question is about conservation vs. innovation this is theonly way to access topic-specific education concerning ecological sustainability

Ground the conservation counterplan should be a core negative cp to test thealternative energy warrant in the 1AC



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T Incentive (Positive)

A Definition Incentives are positive inducements that reward desired behaviorPrinceton Wordnet 3.0, Online, 2008

# S: (n) incentive, inducement, motivator (a positive motivational influence)

B Violation The plan is not an incentive it merely discourages traditional energy useCarbon Tax only makes it harder to use carbon rather than easier to use renewablesLegalizing Hemp only removes a legal barrier to alternative energyRemoving Ethanol tariffs only removes a legal barrier to alternative energyCAF standards only punish high emission standards rather than incentivizing new technology

C StandardsLimits We exclude cases like Carbon Tax and CAFE while still allowing simplefunding affs and tax breaks

Ground We cant read spending or politics because the aff will claim that they onlyremove a barrier to alternative energy development

Education The discussion of incentives vs. regulations is key to the central topicquestion, which is the role of the government in market manipulation



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Alternative Energy Incentive (Not Regulation)

Incentives are distinct from regulations, which punish traditional consumption rather thanencourage innovation. Scholars agreeDavid M. Driesen, Associate Professor, Syracuse College of Law, 1/7/2006, Economic Instruments for

SustainableDevelopment,http://www.pdfdownload.org/pdf2html/pdf2html.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.law.syr.edu%2FPdfs%2F0osgoodehallboo.pdf&images=yes

Scholars usually use the term `economic incentive programmes' or the synonym, market-basedinstruments', to refer to a wide variety ofalternatives to traditional regulation. 36 This usage reflectsconvention, rather than a clear analysis of the differences between traditional regulation and the alternatives.For traditional regulatory programmes provide an economic incentive to clean up; they threaten polluterswith fines for failing to comply with standards, as noted previously. Traditional regulation also creates amarket for pollution control ideas and equip- ment, since it requires polluters to clean up. Regulations canraise the price of goods associated with large amounts of pollution, and therefore encourage consumers tosubstitute less polluting goods or reduce consumption, thereby further reducing emissions. Even thoughall forms ofregulation provide economic incentives to reduce pollution, scholars generally agree aboutwhat instruments the term `economic incentive programmes refers to, even if the term has no rigorousdefinition. And they use the term to refer to alternatives to traditional regulation. Scholars have alsoemployed varying typologies to classify the many economic instruments used around the world. It might

prove useful to distinguish between price-based instruments, quantity-based instruments and informational-based instruments.

Alternative Energy Incentives are distinct from market regulationsGlenn C. Ralph, Investors Group Financial Services, Inc., November2007, Can 'green' investments power yourinvestment growth?, http://www.mcimortgageconsultants.ca/hollycollin/articles/2007-11/green-investment.html

* Potential market share. Will a company's products be sold and distributed in North America, or aroundthe world? What is the intensity of the competition? How well-funded are competitors? * Manufacturingscale. Can a company design and manufacture its product in a cost-effective manner that allows for healthy

profit margins? * Government regulation.Regulations increasingly favour alternative energy sources.But they vary according to jurisdiction, and are constantly evolving. How will they affect a particular

business? * Incentives.Alternative energy incentives are becoming more common, with governmenttax breaks and subsidies for producers and consumers. How might these benefit an alternative energyinvestment?


11/22


Alternative Energy Incentives (Funding for Development)

Alternative Energy Incentives are governmental funding and economic support fordevelopment of alternative energy producersAlan Kotok, July 14, 2006, American Computer Scientist, Fincancing Your Research in Alternative Energy.

Science Careers, Journal of Science.As in most other fields, researchers needing funds for theiralternative-energy investigations often look togovernment and private sources. Since the 1970's at least, the U.S. federal government has had aninterest in alternative sources of energy, although funding for those efforts has risen and fallen witheconomic conditions, fuel prices, and political administrations, among other factors. Recently, high oil priceshave renewed interest in alternative energy research. One consequence of the recent surge in oil prices is theEnergy Policy Act of 2005, which offers a series of grants and tax incentives to encourage developmentand investment in alternative energy sources: biofuels, forest biomass, wind, solar, and geothermal.


12/22


Alternative Energy (Not Fossil Fuels)

Alternative Energy means non-fossil fuelsIPCC, The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, jointly established by the World MeteorologicalOrganization and the United Nations Environment Programme. Climate Change 2001: Working Group III:Mitigation,

2001http://www.grida.no/climate/ipcc_tar/wg3/454.htm

Alternative energy: Energy derived from non-fossil fuel sources.

Alternative energy means not fossil fuelsNatural Resources Defense Council, NRDC: Glossary of Environmental Terms,http://www.nrdc.org/reference/glossary/a.asp , 2008

alternative energy - energy that is not popularly used and is usually environmentally sound, such assolar or wind energy (as opposed to fossil fuels).

Alternative energy means not fossil fuels or natural gasInformation Architects, Green Glossary, 2008, http://www.iagreen.com/glossary.htm

Energy from a source other than the conventional fossil-fuel sources of oil, natural gas and coal (i.e.,wind, running water, the sun). Also referred to as "alternative fuel."
http://www.nrdc.org/reference/glossary/a.asphttp://www.nrdc.org/reference/glossary/a.asp


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Alternative Energy (Not Fossil Fuels, Gas, Coal, Nuclear Power)

Non-fossil fuels, oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear powerChristopherSimon, (Prof., Political Science, U. Nevada, Reno), ALTERNATIVE ENERGY: POLITICAL,ECONOMIC, AND SOCIAL FEASIBILITY, 07, 39-40.

The federal definition of alternative energy is best summarized by Title 26, chapter 79, 7701 of therevised U.S. Code: "the term 'alternative energy facility' means a facility for producing electrical or thermalenergy ifthe primary energy source for the facility is not oil, natural gas, coal, or nuclear power."

US tax code excludes nuclear powerTitle 26 of Internal Revenue Code, Chapter 79 7701 Definitions,http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/uscode26/usc_sec_26_00007701----000-.html

(D) Alternative energy facilityFor purposes of subparagraph (A), the term alternative energy facility means a facility for producingelectrical or thermal energy ifthe primary energy source for the facility is not oil, natural gas, coal, ornuclear power.


14/22


Alternative Energy (Natural Gas)

Alternative Energy includes natural gasTheEPA, Glossary of Climate Change Terms, 2008, http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/glossary.html

Energy derived from nontraditional sources (e.g., compressed natural gas, solar, hydroelectric, wind).5


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Alternative Energy (Not Natural Gas)

Alternative energy excludes fossil fuels and natural gasDictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1), 2008

energy, as solar, wind, or nuclear energy, that can replace or supplement traditional fossil-fuel sources,as coal, oil, and natural gas.


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Alternative Energy (Not Nuclear Power)

Nuclear Power is not alternative energy it belongs in the same category as fossil fuelsWikipedia (online encyclopedia) http://www.fact-index.com/f/fo/fossil_fuel.html Accessed 2004

Fossil fuels are hydrocarbon fuels orhydrocarbon containing fuels such aspetroleum (includingnatural gas) and coal. The utilization of fossil fuels has fueled industrial development and largelysupplanted water driven mills andwood orpeat burning for heat. With nuclear power, it makes up thecategory ofnuclear-fossil energy.

Nuclear energy is not renewableDepartment of Energy http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/non-renewable/nonrenewable.html Accessed 2004

Nonrenewable energy sources come out of the ground as liquids, gases and solids. Right now, crudeoil(petroleum) is the only naturally liquid commercial fossil fuel.Natural gasandpropane are normally gases,andcoal is a solid. Coal, petroleum, natural gas, and propane are all considered fossil fuels because theyformed from the buried remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. Uranium ore, a solid,is mined and converted to a fuel. Uranium is not a fossil fuel. These energy sources are considerednonrenewable because they can not be replenished (made again) in a short period of time. Renewable

energy sources can be replenished naturally in a short period of time.

More evidenceCygnus Renewablehttp://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:mRiBxTOQ1TEJ:www.cygnusrenewable.com/page2.html+%22is+not+a+fossil+fuel%22,+uranium&hl=enAccessed 2004

Fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas come from biomass which was produced in the distant past andhas been transformed by geological activity. World reserves of fossil fuels are finite and are beingdepleted. They are therefore referred to as non-renewable energy resources. Uranium for the generation ofnuclear energy is not a fossil fuel, but still requires the depletion of finite physical reserves so it isincluded as a non-renewable energy source.
http://www.fact-index.com/f/fo/fossil_fuel.htmlhttp://www.fact-index.com/f/fo/fossil_fuel.htmlhttp://www.fact-index.com/h/hy/hydrocarbon.htmlhttp://www.fact-index.com/h/hy/hydrocarbon.htmlhttp://www.fact-index.com/h/hy/hydrocarbon.htmlhttp://www.fact-index.com/h/hy/hydrocarbon.htmlhttp://www.fact-index.com/h/hy/hydrocarbon.htmlhttp://www.fact-index.com/p/pe/petroleum.htmlhttp://www.fact-index.com/p/pe/petroleum.htmlhttp://www.fact-index.com/p/pe/petroleum.htmlhttp://www.fact-index.com/n/na/natural_gas.htmlhttp://www.fact-index.com/c/co/coal.htmlhttp://www.fact-index.com/w/wo/wood.htmlhttp://www.fact-index.com/w/wo/wood.htmlhttp://www.fact-index.com/p/pe/peat.htmlhttp://www.fact-index.com/n/nu/nuclear_reactor.htmlhttp://www.fact-index.com/n/nu/nuclear_reactor.htmlhttp://www.fact-index.com/n/nu/nuclear_fossil_energy.htmlhttp://www.fact-index.com/n/nu/nuclear_fossil_energy.htmlhttp://www.fact-index.com/n/nu/nuclear_fossil_energy.htmlhttp://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/non-renewable/oil.htmlhttp://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/non-renewable/oil.htmlhttp://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/non-renewable/naturalgas.htmlhttp://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/non-renewable/naturalgas.htmlhttp://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/non-renewable/naturalgas.htmlhttp://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/non-renewable/propane.htmlhttp://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/non-renewable/coal.htmlhttp://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/non-renewable/coal.htmlhttp://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/non-renewable/nuclear.htmlhttp://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:mRiBxTOQ1TEJ:www.cygnusrenewable.com/page2.html+%22is+not+a+fossil+fuel%22,+uranium&hl=enhttp://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:mRiBxTOQ1TEJ:www.cygnusrenewable.com/page2.html+%22is+not+a+fossil+fuel%22,+uranium&hl=enhttp://www.fact-index.com/f/fo/fossil_fuel.htmlhttp://www.fact-index.com/h/hy/hydrocarbon.htmlhttp://www.fact-index.com/h/hy/hydrocarbon.htmlhttp://www.fact-index.com/p/pe/petroleum.htmlhttp://www.fact-index.com/n/na/natural_gas.htmlhttp://www.fact-index.com/c/co/coal.htmlhttp://www.fact-index.com/w/wo/wood.htmlhttp://www.fact-index.com/p/pe/peat.htmlhttp://www.fact-index.com/n/nu/nuclear_reactor.htmlhttp://www.fact-index.com/n/nu/nuclear_fossil_energy.htmlhttp://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/non-renewable/oil.htmlhttp://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/non-renewable/naturalgas.htmlhttp://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/non-renewable/propane.htmlhttp://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/non-renewable/coal.htmlhttp://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/non-renewable/nuclear.htmlhttp://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:mRiBxTOQ1TEJ:www.cygnusrenewable.com/page2.html+%22is+not+a+fossil+fuel%22,+uranium&hl=enhttp://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:mRiBxTOQ1TEJ:www.cygnusrenewable.com/page2.html+%22is+not+a+fossil+fuel%22,+uranium&hl=en


17/22


Alternative Energy (Renewables)

Alternative energy means renewablesMinerals Management Service, government agency in charge of regulating domestic energy production, 7-16-2008, http://www.mms.gov/offshore/AlternativeEnergy/Definitions.htm

Fuel sources that are other than those derived from fossil fuels. Typically used interchangeably forrenewable energy. Examples include: wind, solar, biomass, wave and tidal energy.

MoreMSN Encarta Online Dictionary, 2008

naturally generated energy source: any form of energy obtained from the Sun, wind, waves, or anothernatural renewable source, in contrast to energy generated from fossil fuels

Alternative energy means environmentally friendly renewablesCompact Oxford English Dictionary Online, 2008

energy fuelled in ways that do not use up natural resources or harm the environment.

Alternative energy means renewablesNelson Education, Canadas leading educational publisher providing innovative products and solutions forlearners of all ages, Our Environment: A Canadian Perspective, 2nd edition.,http://environment.nelson.com/0176169040/glossary.html 2008

Alternative Energy - Renewable energy sources, such as wind, flowing water, solar energy and biomass,which create less environmental damage and pollution than fossil fuels, and offer an alternative tononrenewable resources.


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Alternative Energy (Fluid Meaning)

Theres no agreed upon definition of alternative energy hundreds of scientists recentlyheld a conference explicitly to define the term and FAILED TO AGREE on a definition.Christopher A. Simon, poli sci prof at University of Nevada, Reno. Alternative energy: political, economic, and

social feasibility, 2007 pp. 39-41Previous chapters outlined the trends that have led the United States in the direction of alternative energy. Social and political events ofthe 1960s and 1970s were responsible for the initial shifts in the energy paradigm. The book has also introduced the reader to ways ofthinking about public policy, particularly in relation to alternative energy. In this chapter, the book focuses on the scope ofalternativeenergy, a concept that is often discussed but rarely defined. It is difficult to define because the term is value laden.The term alternative energy was the subject of a recent gathering of scientists in Canada, but bythe end of the conference, the definition remained a work in progress: no definitive meaning wasassigned (see CEA-NRCan 2002). By defining the term, it is not my purpose to intentionally exclude or include any particular formof energy. An understanding of the concept is necessary to better understand the energy future in relation to technological, economic, and

policy feasibility of energy sources. Understanding the difference between alternative energy and alternative fuels is an importantdistinction that must be made at this point. WHAT IS ALTERNATIVE ENERGY? The federal definit ion of alternative energy is bestsummarized by Title 26. chapter 79. 7701 of the revised U.S. Code: the term alternative energy facility means a facility for

producing electrical or thermal energy if the primary energy source for the facility is not oil, natural gas. coal, or nuclear power. Theprimary purpose of this definition relates to the issuance of tax credits to alternative energy facility[ies], which meet certain standardsas defined in Title 26, chapter I, 48 Energy Credit. Tax credits are one method by which the federal government encourages the

private sector to make certain economic choices: in the case of energy policy, this definition of alternative energy will have a definitiveimpact on how alternative energy will be defined by those individuals and corporate bodies seeking federal recognition (and benefit) byadopting a particular definition of alternative energy. Many state definitions of alternative energy closely follow federal definitions. Caselaw confirms that federal guidelines supercede state-level guidelines. Federal standards also impact the state and local receipt ofalternative energy grants, subsidies, and tax exemptions. It is reasonable, therefore, that state and local definitions would be consistentwith federal energy policy. Consistency between federal and state definitions does not mean that there are not a few variations. In manyways, variation at the state level illustrates the dynamic and evolving alternative energy paradigm, whichis by no means unique to the U.S. policy process. Energy Versus Power These terms are often used interchangeably and are thought to

be the same concept. Energy is defined as the capacity to do work. Forms of energy include thermal, mechanical, electrical, andchemical. Energy may be transformed from one form into another (EERe 2005a). Energy can be measured in a variety always, such as

joules and British thermal units BTUs. Power is the rate of expenditure of energy, (Physics Forum 2005) or the rate at which energy isused. Power is simply expenditure of energy per unit of time (eg. BTU/hr or BTU/sec). In everyday life, one comes across measurementsof power in the form of watts or horsepower. Fuel is potential energy that can be burned to produce power. State-level variationillustrates the role politics plays in shaping the alternative energy paradigm. State-energy economic interestsoften impact the choices related to the adoption of alternative energy policies. For example, in states with coal production. it is likely thatinterest groups representing fossil fuel industries and environmental interests will square off, seeking to shape the regulation of energy

uses and production as well as the nature of redistributive policies intended to provide cleaner energy, the latter effectively benefitingindividuals and groups who may bear environmental and health costs associated with fossil fuel use. In some cases, there are evendifferent tiers or categories of alternative energy, depending on the sources level or shades of greenness (Mandelbaum and Brown2004: 1). Perhaps the most well-known recent example of very broadly defined and apparently relaxed standards for the conceptalternative energy comes from the state of Pennsylvania. which has effectively moved away from more narrowly defined federaldefinitions. Adopted into law in November 2004. Pennsylvania Senate Bill 1030 identifies energy sources and relates these sources torelative greenness. which is by implication measured by the level of environmental emissions or potential for environmental harm. Thealternative energy greenness divides types into Tier I and Tier II alternative energy sources. Tier I alternative energy sources are: (I) solarPV energy; (2) wind power: (3) low-impact hydropower; (4) geothermal energy;2 (5) biologically derived methane gas;1 (6) fuel cells:4(7) biomass energy; and (8) coal mine methane. In scrutinizing these Tier I sources and the related definitions in the footnotes, the readermight dispute their categorization as relatively low impact forms of energy, Coal mine methane and biomass derived energy. forinstance, produce greenhouse gases. Pennsylvanias Tier II alternative energy resources provide an even broader view when it comes tocommon associations with green energy. The second-tier sources are as follows: (1) waste coal: (2) distributed generation systems; (3)demand-side management; (4) large-scale hydropower; (5) municipal solid waste; (6) generation of electricity utilizing byproducts of the

pulping process and wood-manufacturing process, including bark, wood chips, sawdust, and lignin in spent pulping liquors; and (7)integrated combined coal gasification technology. The Pennsylvania statute illustrates the capacity of government

to narrowly or broadly define alternative energy. Alternative energy cannot be assumed to have certainproperties, such as zero greenhouse gas emissions or complete disassociation from hydrocarbon energysources. At the federal level, the expansion of nuclear energy has been proposed as a form of alternativeenergy, replacing the use of hydrocarbons to produce electrical or thermal energy. What isalternative energy? Simplyput, it is not a unified concept. The lack of clarity and consistency in definition, however, provides anopportunity for individuals and groups considering alternative energy sources for their communities, states, ornation. The lack of rigidity in definition reflects the likelihood that perspectives on alternative energywill be more likely related to a search process focusing on energy alternatives.


19/22


Incentive (Motivator)

An incentive is a motivatorMSN Encarta Online, 2008

something that encourages somebody to action: something that encourages or motivates somebody to dosomething

MoreCompact Oxford English Dictionary 2008

noun a thing that motivates or encourages someone to action or increased effort.

MoreMerriam-Websters Online Dictionary, 10th edition 2008

something that incites or has a tendency to incite to determination or action

MoreCambridge Advanced Learners Dictionary Online, 2008

something which encourages a person to do something: Tax incentives have been very effective inencouraging people to save and invest more of their income. [+ to infinitive] There is little incentive for

people to leave their cars at home when public transport remains so expensive. Bonus payments provide anincentive to work harder.


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Incentive (Not Regulation)

Incentives are distinct from regulationsRegulation:Winston Harrington, (Prof., Georgetown U. Public Policy Institute), THE RFF READER IN ENVIRONMENTALAND RESOURCE POLICY: SECOND EDITION, 06, 66.

Environmental policies can rely more on direct regulation (the command-and-control or CAC approach)or, alternatively, on economic incentives for environmental protection.


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Incentive (Positive)

Incentives are positive rewards for behaviorElectric Power Research Institute, 2005 , A coalfleet working paper,http://www.cis.state.mi.us/mpsc/electric/capacity/cnf/central/igcc_incentives.pdf

This paper presents EPRIs analysis of the effectiveness of eight alternative Federal financial incentives thathave been proposed to mitigate IGCCs higher costs and risks. The intent of these incentives is to lessen thecost differential between IGCC and conventional coal technologies so that an initial set of IGCC plants will

be deployed, allowing future experience based reductions in cost and improvements in performance thatcould make IGCC commercially viable. The incentives analyzed include: loan guarantees, direct Federalloans, Federal cost sharing grants, investment tax credits, production tax credits, tax-exempt financing,accelerated depreciation, and Federal availability insurance. The analysis looks at the usefulness of eachincentive for three types of project owners: regulated investor-owned utilities (IOUs), independent power

producers with a power purchase agreement (IPPs), and public power (including cooperative, Federal,municipal, and state entities

Incentives most be positivePrinceton Wordnet 3.0, Online, 2008

# S: (n) incentive, inducement, motivator (a positive motivational influence)


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Incentive (Negative or Positive)

Incentives can be rewards or punishmentsThe AmericanHeritage Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.

Something, such as the fear of punishment or the expectation of reward, that induces action ormotivates effort.

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Topicality 2 Week 21