Abstract
The writer of this paper clearly details the ecological and environmental makeup of Pennsylvania, while also supplying relevant data and statistics regarding the state's economy. Due to the abundant supply of ore and hardwoods for furnaces, iron smelting became important in the 18th century and by the 19th century, Pennsylvania became the nation's leading steel producer. Although the state still manufactures metal products, chemicals and transportation equipment, this paper describes how heavy industry has declined in recent years. This paper delves into Pennsylvania's rich history while citing several major events. Pennsylvania has also been the site for some of America's most horrendous ecological disasters. In 1889, the South Fork Dam gave way after a heavy rain and destroyed the downstream factory town of Johnstown, killing over 2,000 people in what has come to be known as the notorious Johnstown Flood. The first oil well in the U.S. was drilled in Pennsylvania in 1859. Pennsylvania became a leader in the U.S. iron industry during the days of the American Revolution. This paper also discusses the fact that Pennsylvania spends a disproportionate share of development money on outlying areas while abandoning established communities, just one of the reasons why Pennsylvania still has a long way to go before it will be a sustainable state.

From the Paper
"Pennsylvania's state forest system includes sixty-one special natural areas and fourteen wild areas that are set aside to "protect unique or unusual biologic, geologic, scenic and historic features, or to showcase outstanding examples of Pennsylvania's major forest communities." Generally speaking, sustainable forestry is defined as protecting the long-term health and viability of forests by using management techniques that value "all uses of the forests," thus, protecting the forest "ecosystem, recreation, clean water, and the production of timber for current and future generations." Pennsylvania employs sustainable forestry practices of its 2.1 million acres of state forestlands. In 1998 and 1999, a team of scientists praised Pennsylvania's commitment to its forests and its "exemplary practices and innovation in managing forest resources."

Tags:steel, metal, port, maritime, history, ecology, wood, environment

Abstract
This paper explains that the modern process of extracting the vast natural gas resources in the U.S.A. began in the second half of the nineteenth century with the first commercial drilling operations in Pennsylvania. Next, the author examines the ecological, socio-economic, technological, health and ethical questions surrounding natural gas drilling. The paper concludes that the great demand for natural gas will continue to increase; therefore, drilling operations will be expanded to other regions regardless of these issues. This paper includes an annotated bibliography.

Table of Contents:
Natural Gas Drilling in the United States
Natural Gas Drilling
History of Natural Gas Drilling in America
Pros and Cons of Drilling
Historical Debates
Ethical Issues Surrounding Land Use and Conservation
Wells on Indian Reservations
Socio-Economic Conditions in Drilling Regions
Success over the Years
National Gas Drilling Technology and Oil Drilling Technology
Conservation or Preservation Issues
Water Issues
Future Drilling
The author includes an annotated bibliography.

From the Paper
"The matter of drilling to extract natural gas has been highly debated throughout the years, with the dispute being far from exhaustive. A first argument in favor of drilling is given by the efficiency of the mechanism in extracting the source of heath for industrial and individual consumers. The population is in tremendous need for gas in order to support the life style they have become accustomed to. And not only that it maintains the current living standards, it is compulsory for life itself and it is a step forward in improving the current living conditions. "

Tags:dimock automobile water extractors, indian reservations

Abstract
The concept that countries that are endowed with natural resources such as oil, natural gas, and gold should exploit them to promote economic growth and development has long been recognized as one of the fundamental principles of development economics. The principle of comparative advantage also maintains that countries should exploit those factors that they hold in greatest abundance. The revenues that are generated by natural resources can be used to assist in the promotion of economic growth in this view, which will then allow the economy to diversify and produce the kinds of higher value-added goods that are necessary to further accelerate economic development. The resource curse theory. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed and scholarly literature to determine the relationship between economic growth and human capital, and what current theories and models provide insights into this process. A case study of Nigerian underdevelopment is presented to determine how, in spite of abundant natural resources, the country has failed to fully realize the potential of many of its natural resources. Further, research on the role of western nations in conflicts in Africa as an indirect factor for the mismanagement of natural resources in Africa is also provided. A summary of the research, salient conclusions and timely recommendations are presented in the concluding chapter. The paper includes tables and graphs.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of Study
Importance of Study
Scope of Study
Rationale of Study
Overview of Study
Chapter 2
Review of Related Literature
Chapter 3
Methodology
Description of the Study Approach
Data-gathering Method and Database of Study
Chapter 4
Data Analysis
Chapter 5
Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations

From the Paper
"While petroleum products are a relative newcomer to Nigeria's "resource curse" mix, coal and tin have been mined in the country since the early colonial period; however, coal production decreased following World War II, as a consequence of the redirection of resources to the potentially more lucrative oil industry. Nevertheless, substantial coal reserves of varying quality remain throughout Nigeria's south-central states (see map at Appendix B) in a strip of country that stretches from Benin to Cameroon. Furthermore, columbite and tin can be found in the Jos Plateau and there are iron-ore deposits in the Lokoja area (situated close to the Ajaokuta steel complex in the lower Niger valley)."

Tags:ISI, production, enterprise, Honey, Pot, globalization

Abstract
This paper will examine the evolution of the economy in British Columbia and demonstrate that it is no longer too reliant on its natural resources. Although British Columbia's export of natural resources is important to its economy, the service sector of the economy is increasing at an enormous speed.

Abstract
A look at conflict over the scarcity of natural resources. The author investigates the conflict over: the degradation of fossil fuels, forests and agricultural land as well as pollution of fresh water and depletion of fisheries. The author argues that scarcity of these will lead to environmental stress and increased economic deprivation leading to social turmoil and conflict, both inter and intra-state.

From the Paper
"The debate over whether environmental scarcity is a crucial factor in conflict and therefore worth paying close attention to in what is perceived as a world of diminishing resources is contentious. In many respects it seems logical to conclude that since so many wars in history have had economic causes then something like the scarcity of natural resources would in all likelihood be a source of conflict in the 21st Century."

Tags:water, environment, war, states, population, climate, fisheries, degradation, depletion, scarce

Abstract
The paper asserts that utilizing Axia's educational resources is an exercise made easy and facilitated by its extensive online services. The paper relates that the online library at Axia is extensive and allows access to some of the best research and academic databases available ("Axia"). The paper explains that having access to these online databases is critical to success in this program because online access ensures universal availability and comprehensive reference material.

From the Paper
"Utilizing Axia's educational resources is an exercise made easy and facilitated by its extensive online services. The online library at Axia is extensive and allows access to some of the best research and academic databases available ("Axia"). Having access to these online databases is critical to success in this program because online access ensures universal availability and comprehensive reference material. These databases consist of the following: * EBSCO: business oriented..."

Tags:appendix, podcast, education

Abstract
This paper focuses on the state of Arizona's water resources and offers projected analysis for the upcoming years. The paper explains that Arizona's water supply comes from the Colorado River, which is fed by melted snow runoff. However, the paper notes, runoff levels have been low in recent years, and if they do not rebound soon, a shortage declaration will be forthcoming in the next several years. The paper explores water usage and culture, as it relates to the looming water crisis, and supports the thesis that American consumerism and reckless conservation practices are the key factors that will ultimately lead to the demise of Arizona's water table. This paper concludes that cultural issues are not at the heart of the problem, and that Arizona citizens are aware and willing to do their part to curtail the future water shortage.

Outline:
Understanding the Arizona Water Supply
How Bad Could It Be?
Cultural Factors
What Can Be Done?
Works Cited

From the Paper
" Natural conditions that affect the water table combined with a culture that takes their precious water supply for granted spell disaster in the near future. Arizona culture is carefree and relaxed, living the high life in a land of plenty. If every person could see the need to do everything that they can to conserve water, the problem could at least be reduced. However, individual citizens are not accustomed to conservation methods. Therefore, governmental agencies and water management agencies must take measures to ensure that Arizona's water supply is secure."

Tags:shortage, rationing, supply, aquifer, dam, lake

Abstract
This paper analyzes the writings of Henry David Thoreau, such as "Civil Disobedience", "Walden", "Walking", and "Ktaadn". It compares his writings with his biographical history to raise the question of whether Thoreau actually "practiced what he preached". The paper concludes that, while Thoreau's philosophical thoughts are interesting, the evidence in his essays does not permit Thoreau to be seen as an example of man's ability to live in harmony with the natural world, but only as an example of the modern, fair-weather camper. While his writing is deeply meaningful on a philosophical level, on a practical one, it only reveals the struggle between the love of simplicity and the want of luxury.

From the Paper
"Henry David Thoreau, regarded by many as the father of environmentalism, was indeed influential in championing the great interest in nature that led to later movements toward environmental protection. He was the first to notice that the country's trend toward an industrialist economy was having a damaging effect on the environment and to call his fellow citizens "back to nature" through his essays, the most influential being "Walden", documenting his experiences living in a small cabin on secluded Walden Pond. Through lists of items bought and sold, and accounts of the labor that went in to creating his refuge, Thoreau attempts to prove to readers that it is not difficult to live as a part of nature, instead of struggling against it, and that a man actually needs much less than one might think to survive. However, it is evident in Thoreau's work that while he undoubtedly believed all that he wrote, and was filled with a desire to go back to living in nature as his ancestors did, he was able to stray only so far from the comforts of the industrialist age. His life and works present a conflict of beliefs and practices, of his yearning for a simpler life and his inability to follow it to its end. In Thoreau there can be found a depiction of the struggle that continues today, namely the conflict between the desire for living purely and simply and the desire for modern comforts. Thoreau was not a man of nature, as his essays urge one to conclude, but a nature connoisseur, returning to it only as a brief respite from the bustle of everyday life."

Tags:Walden, Pond, Emerson, economy

Abstract
This paper discusses the importance of managing natural resources, particularly natural gas. It discusses the need for management to address extraction, processing and distribution of natural gas within the United States, as well as to constructively interact with the demands of the rest of the world to secure natural gas imports. The paper also addresses economics, politics and environmental concerns that are relevant to natural gas management.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Economic Importance
Availability of Natural Gas
Management of Natural Gas
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Holistic management of a complete ecosystem is a highly ambitious goal. It requires enormous effort in developing critical knowledge of the area and how to manage its biological health. It requires conscientious assessment and management of the human activities present in that area. It also requires constructive cooperation between all political entities involved in the use of that ecosystem. This is a tough model the Norwegians have created. It is also very doable. It will test the ingenuity of all involved. If successful it is a model that could be transported anywhere in the world, including the United States."

Tags:petroleum, energy, consumers

Abstract
The paper looks at the merger of Equitable Resources, Inc. and the Peoples Natural Gas Company, a subsidiary of Dominion Resources, Inc. and discusses how this merger was claimed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to violate Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act and Section 7 of the Clayton Act. The paper outlines the utility market in Western Pennsylvania, explains the deregulation of the electricity markets and looks at the position of the Equitable/ Dominion companies. The paper highlights the conflict in various areas of governance and regulation in this area of the law.

Outline:
Introduction
Background to the Study
Overview of Gas Utility Market - Western PA
Complaint for Temporary Restraining Order
Answer Filed in Court by Equitable/ Dominion Peoples
Foreeseability Doctrine Rehabilitation
Summary and Conclusion

From the Paper
"The utility market in Western Pennsylvania is unique because it is the only gas utility market where there are overlapping service territories in the gas utility market. There are five utilities in operation in this area however their operations are to varying degrees with some areas containing three different utility company gas lines under the same streets.
"Distribution rates of each of the utility's distributions rates are regulated with PAPUC capping the maximum allowable rates however the gas supply portion is unregulated with freedom among customers in choosing gas supply and gas distribution services from different utilities. At the time of the proposed merger the gas bill was typically 20% for distribution and 80% for supply. In some areas the utilities offer distribution of gas services at less-than-allowable rates to industrial and commercial customers. PAPUC ordered the gas supply market deregulated in 1999."

Tags:deregulation, regulation, electricity, markets, acquisitions, competition