Last week primarily consisted of preparation for the simulation on Friday. The simulation allowed for a micro-level interpretation on how different groups react to policy proposals. As a representative of the Sierra Club, our group primarily took a stance promoting the status quo.
As the Sierra Club, we were against the plan to repeal the tariff for multiple reasons. Our first argument was that the proposal would cause automobile manufacturers to offshore their production to countries such as China that can do the labor for a cheaper cost and higher emissions. Since China has lower emissions standards, there would be no risk of the company being taxes for high emissions rates, something that occurs frequently within the United States. This increased automobile production in China would promote factories that utilize unclean manufacturing processes, pollution-filled shipping routes, and a disincentive to produce clean energy policies. Additionally, the increase in car production would allow more Chinese drivers to emerge which would drastically increase emissions from China. Increased emissions would quicken the rate at which global warming produces structural problems to the world which would potentially culminate in extinction from ocean acidification and polar ice cap melting.
While there were numerous other points that were made within the simulation, it was interesting to see how different organizations have different perspectives and views on policy proposals. For example, GM promoted the removal of the tariff because they claimed it would improve efficiency, allow for a stable transition towards hybrid and more environmental friendly cars, and provide the best customer satisfaction. While we disagreed with them due to stark ideological differences, the simulation provided a forum in which we could role-play decision makers in society. Through this experience we were able to garner a better understanding on the implications of policies in different fields and how a rational decision maker must determine the best possible policy that can benefit the most people.
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