1. The Endangered Species Act is considered one of the most stringent forms of environmental protection. Why is this the case? (Consider whether or not the Act relies on cost v. benefit analysis).

2. The controversy is often referred to as owls v. jobs. What is an argument in favor of protecting the owls? What is an argument in favor of protecting logging jobs? Which argument do you find more persuasive?

3. Apply the following ethical frameworks to the controversy and indicate how that framework would resolve the dispute in an ethical manner: a. Egoism b. Utilitarianism c. Kant's Categorial Imperatives

4. The spotted owl numbers have continued to decline. Reasons for this include the government's decision to allow some logging in their critical habitat and the arrival of an invasive species, the barred owl, which is aggressive toward spotted owls. Should the EPA continue to take actions to protect the spotted owl? Explain.