Engaging with Current Environmental Issues Through EPM Coursework
Quick Summary
- 1st year EPM student Kyle Benestad wrote an op-ed responding to federal executive actions that expand oil drilling and remove ocean protections. Originally written for a core EPM class, the piece was published in the San Francisco Chronicle in November.
As students begin their masters degree in the Graduate Program of Environmental Policy and Management, one of the first core classes that they take is ENV 202: Policy Development and Implementation. Developed and taught by Dr. David Bunn, the course introduces students to the legislative process and trains them to think critically about policy solutions to environmental issues. The course uses a mix of lectures, writing, real world simulations, and group collaboration to accomplish learning goals.
One class assignment asked students to analyze a current environmental issue and develop an op-ed in response. We were encouraged to write with a real audience in mind and actually try to reach that audience by submitting our work to news outlets.
For me, this was a great opportunity to engage with an issue I was interested in and translate class concepts into something tangible. I focused on recent efforts by the Trump administration to expand oil drilling off of California’s coast and remove ocean protections around the country. Recent plans for oil expansion are part of a broader push from the Trump administration to weaken ocean protections, though court challenges and legal barriers have limited its success so far. I decided to submit my op-ed to the San Francisco Chronicle, and it was published on November 20th.
Through this assignment, I had the chance to practice my analytical and communication skills, presenting complex issues to a general audience. It’s a great example of the way students in the EPM program are able to engage with real world issues and contribute to active environmental work.
The views, opinions and recommendations expressed in this article and op ed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Graduate Program of Environmental Policy and Management at UC Davis.