This excerpt is taken from Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context, a premier online resource database, covering pro/con arguments for many of today’s important social issues. The authors contributing to this viewpoint are Motoko Rich and John Broder, contributing writers from the New York Times. This source can be deemed credible and reliable since the New York Times is an institution when it comes to honest reporting. Although this is an older source (2011), the topic presented in this article remains relevant in our society today. This source remains very neutral and presents viewpoints from both sides of the argument. This source presents research and case studies to acknowledge that this debate of job creation vs environmental regulation is complex and need to be analyzed and interpreted from many different angles to realize the various effects created by these two opposing viewpoints. One study shows how the Clean Air Act caused a job loss of 600,000, but at the same time, reduced the infant mortality rate and increased housing prices, thus creating a wealth effect for the real estate market. It is mentioned that one data point (such as job loss, improved health, etc..) should not …show more content…
Based on the evidence set forth by the authors, I can formulate my own opinion on this debate based upon what I deem to be most important in my daily life. Although I can see how environmental regulations can be detrimental to the economy and many working families around us, I do not believe the safety and health of the environment and the people living in it should be compromised. Our health and quality of life should come before money, therefore if these environmental regulations need to be implemented to preserve that health, then the hit to the economy is a necessary evil I am willing to live