Question

The Winter case deals with the balance between national security and the environment. Consider these additional issues. What if the President felt it was important to national security to store reserves of oil in a manner that could harm groundwater? Or permit drilling in areas that are environmentally fragile such as Alaska or the gulf coast? Would you support such decisions? Should there be a review process for these decisions?

Answer 1

Talking about national security and environmental issues, both are of an utmost importance for a country. National security is unavoidable as security of all citizens and resources depends on it. It has gained all the more importance in recent years because of an increase in the incidents of terrorism. On the other hand, conserving environment is also extremely important as quality of human life depends on it.

 

So these additional issues are to be considered as upmost priority level.

 

Whenever environmental issues contradict the national security decisions or vice versa, a controversy arises. Both the issues are crucial for a nation, therefore a detailed review by weighing the pro and cons of a particular proposal must be done to arrive at a decision that is best for national interest.

 

Hence review of both the decisions is required.

 

Drilling in areas which are environmentally fragile requires proper analysis to be done. Some of them can be mentioned as below:

1) What would be its advantage and disadvantage?

2) What are the factors needs to be considered before drilling?

3) Which areas of the region will get affected, Acts that can be done to avoid any severe loss arising from drilling.

4) does the alternative plan available ? if yes, can it be adopted.

 

Talking about decision of president’s decision to keep oil reserves for the purpose of national security in a way that can harm ground water should not be supported. Balance between the both is requires as they both are important Proper reviewing of the same is required.

 

This decision should be reviewed on the basis of the following points:

a) Is there an alternative for the same?

b) What harmful effects it can cause to the ground water?

c) If ground water gets contaminated how will it affect the availability of water to masses?

d) What national security issues are involved here?

e) How can a change in decision impact the national security?

 

All these points should be evaluated and national security or environmental security, whichever weighs more in this case should be given preference.

 

Same goes for the oil drilling in sights which are environmentally fragile. A well thought out and detailed analysis should be done before taking a decision.

Same goes for the oil drilling in sights which are environmentally fragile. A well thought out and detailed analysis should be done before taking a decision