Multiple Governments and Intergovernmental Relationships

Multiple Governments and Intergovernmental Relationships

POL/215

Multiple Governments and Intergovernmental Relationships

Introduction

The constitution allows for division of power between local, state, and federal government; however the group does come with some conflict of interest. The local government consists of a system that operates independently as to where the state and federal governments are similar. The focus of this essay is based on Hydro-fracking, there are fundamental laws that regulate how drilling is done from the local level to the national level of government. Hydro-fracking is a new development of new technological methods that help produce natural gas, through drilling deep into the earth. This method uses more water than previous methods and recovers natural gas from under layers of rocks (shale rocks). Natural gas is economically friendly of its counterparts of goal or oil-fueling. One fact that is providing proof of this claim is “there is no proven case of hydro-fracking contaminating drinking water (“Http://icof.infobaselearning.com”, 2014).” However, the opposing agreement would have you to believe that the chemicals used in fracking fluid are toxic that poses danger to the public drinking water is unfounded.

Describe the ways in which different levels of government interrelate. What solution are the different governments trying to achieve?

`In a combined effort the state governments of New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey have begun debating the allowance of hydro-fracking sites on the Marcellus near the Delaware River Watershed, which provides drinking water for millions living in the region (“Http://icof.infobaselearning.com”, 2014) making it extremely important for all three states to come together and debate the issue. “Pennsylvania alone has already licensed more than 3300 permits for natural gas wells on the Marcellus Shale (“Http://icof.infobaselearning.com”, 2014).” Other states have across the United States have done the same from Colorado to Louisiana. The single question that many in congress and/or government will ask is it safe? The answer is the United States dependency on foreign energy sources and reducing the nation’s carbon emission. The supporters of hydro-fracking would take the stand that it is safe. There are no proven cases where the drinking water has been contaminated or harmful, by New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania coming together and introducing fracking, the responsibility of fracking, and the Awareness Act (FRAC) to congress would give a better offense. This would require gas and/or oil companies to disclose the chemicals that are included in the fracking process. Even though there has been a bill presented to congress several times and failed the representatives will keep submitting for Hydro-fracking. The bottom line is the different levels of government are trying to achieve introducing natural gas in the less harmful way.

Identify the advantages and disadvantages in the ways that the governments involved work together.

There are always pro’s, and con’s when government works together. In many cases Americans feels close ties to their home state, therefore, federalism connection remains stable. For example in the case of hydro-fracking the in which our local representatives continue to work together to put forward recommendations that would benefit each state involved and their residents. Not to mention fairly regulating oil companies to where drilling for natural gas does not compromise the safety of its citizens, environment, or economic structure. In many states, the drinking water has failed the minimal standard or need to improve significantly. Collectively listening to both sides of the aisle (pro’s and con’s) will enable government to have an open dialog. Other advantage that would possibly be a great way of improving the relationship between the powers of government is creating laboratories of democracy; state government can experiment with policies where other states and even the federal government can learn from their success or not. It is already in some cases utilized in the event of hydro-fracking may prove to be highly effective. With all the advantages that come along with government working together, there are disadvantages as well. One of the biggest obstacles is the lack of accountability. The overlapping of boundaries between federal and state government: That make it extremely difficult to blame either side for failure in any given policies? Neither side was wanting to take responsibility for the failure (any given policy or project). In the case of hydro-fracking New York has been a battleground over fracking. A number of representatives are in favor stating it will boost the economy while other argue the opposing that it will be harmful to the environment (water reservoirs / drinking water).

Provide a possible solution to the current way of hydro–fracking that would be better by having different levels of government work together. Include ways in which communication between the governments might be improved.

One possible solution to the current way of hydro-fracking is doing further research. The EPA has already begun release reports at the end of 2012 and the results of the long-term studies to be published this year (2014). “If projects to procure natural gas through hydraulic fracturing in Marcellus Shale precede, many observers caution; every possible safeguard should be applied (“Http://icof.infobaselearning.com”, 2014).” The clear cut possible solution is to have a government that knows the benefits of working together for the joint advantage of those who they represent. Have a local and national government pursue strategies that will help ensure drinking water is safe when hydro-fracking takes effect under SDWA (Safe Drinking Water Act). Another possible solution is that both levels of government (national and Local) work together in making sure that big oil companies abide by heighten government regulations on both fronts local and national. The regulatory guidelines should be in-line with each other (supportive / bipartisanship).

Identify a way for local and state governments to both stimulate their economies while being respectful of the environment.

There are several ways for local and state government to both stimulate their economies while be respectful to the environment. On way of creating stimulation on both levels is by raising taxes on the resident equally, not just on the poor. The more you earn the more you pay. In many states there are tax cut for the rich to ensure their wealth stays within the state. The burden of tax-hikes falls on the working-class. This forces many recent college graduates to move outside the area to ensure that have an equal opportunity to survive (this holds true in states like New York, New Jersey, and California). If both the local and state level invest in the people as well as policy it would stimulate the economy and give a since of respect for moral environment. Growing the economy is to build economic relationship with growing necessary legislative and regulatory business that supports the governmental views, providing sustainable growth. Lastly the states foundation has to strong and rich in history. It should encourage companies and individual to want to invest in growing the economy in an innovated and productive way. This would call on an equal balance of power and respect for others viewpoints, while leaving room for compromise.

Provide an example of a current issue near your home that involves multiple governments and the ways in which they do or do not work together effectively. Examples could include environmental, educational, or technological issues.

A current issue in New York City and many city across the United States is the just of killing off our young black men without consequences. On July 17th , 2014 Eric Garner died in Tompkinsville section of Staten Island NYC after a police officer put him in an apparent chokehold. The event was clearly recorded on a cellphone and after months no indictment was handed down on a state level. Now on national level it will gain more attention. Officer Justin Damico and other should be made an example of how the state government and national government will not collectively tolerate such hate towards anyone class of people be it race, creed, religion, etc. This is an ongoing issue that has yet to resolve going back before slavery. With all the protest, marches, and civil rights leaders lost when do we respect human life? These actions leads to serious environmental issues of safety.

References

http://icof.infobaselearning.com. (2014). Retrieved from http://icof.infobaselearning.com/recurl.aspex?wid=18566&ID=2036>