As we become more aware of our impact on the environment, citizens and legislators are faced with decisions which impact local, state, and national economies. For example, government restrictions on construction due to effects on endangered species or wetland areas can affect the employment levels of a community. If you were a citizen or government official facing a decision between environmental protection and local economics, what factors would affect your decision-making process?

In a well-developed essay, discuss the factors which might affect the decision-making process when either the environment or local economics are at stake. Include facts and examples to support your discussion.

Develop a response that includes examples and evidence to support your ideas, and which clearly communicates the required message to your audience. Organize your response in a clear and logical manner as appropriate for the genre of writing. Use well-structured sentences, audience-appropriate language, and correct conventions of standard American English.