Tournament:  | Round:  | Opponent:  | Judge:
Plan: The United States Federal Government should extend the Investment Tax Credit for offshore wind energy initiatives located in U.S. territorial waters. 

Tournament:  | Round:  | Opponent:  | Judge: 

High upfront capital costs are the biggest barrier to offshore wind development

Allegro, Bowes, Fisher, and Patel, National Wildlife Federation, 10

(Justin, Catherine, Curtis, and Suraj, “Offshore Wind in the Atlantic: Growing Momentum for Jobs, Energy Independence, Clean Air, and Wildlife Protection,” accessed 8-18-12, http://www.environmentamerica.org/sites/environment/files/reports/NWF-OSW-report-FINAL.pdf)

High Initial Capital Costs and … down over time.

Cost is the biggest barrier to the widespread development of offshore wind energy

Feo and Ludmir, Lawyers at Milbank Tweed Hadley and McCloy LLP, 09

(Ed and Josh, “Challenges in the Development and Financing of Offshore Wind Energy,” Roger Williams University Law Review, Summer 2009, accessed 8-19-12, p. Lexis)

Perhaps the greatest challenge …installed for onshore wind.

Offshore Wind’s High Capital Cost

A National Offshore Wind Strategy

^{U.S. Department of Energy (Feb) 2011}

Offshore wind installations … 60 m in depth.

Tournament:  | Round:  | Opponent:  | Judge:
Harm: The United States’ consumption of fossil fuels produces large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions.

The US emits a high level of greenhouse gases.

Wind Energy a Clean Resource

Mausolf 12 (“Clearing the Regulatory Hurdles” Ashlyn, University of Detroit Mercy Law Review, 12)

Offshore wind would … annually."

Significance:

Greenhouse gases cause the destruction of the ozone layer.

Fossil Fuel Use Increases Greenhouse Emissions

Musial and Ram 11 (“Large Scale Offshore Wind Power” Walter and Bonnie, principal engineers of the National          Wind Technology        Center, 11)

Fossil power generation … C by 2050.

The destruction of the ozone layer causes global warming.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cause Global Warming

Schroeder 10 (“Turning Offshore Wind On” Erica, publishing editor of Ecology Law Quarterly, p. 1631 2010)

Once a wind project is built, …, gas, and nuclear generation units.

Global warming will cause the death and extinction of all life on earth.

Destruction of the ozone layer causes global extinction

NOAA, 02  (State Department, 10/2, lexis)  

The stratosphere is … non-existent.

Destruction of the ozone layer leads to extinction

SF Examiner 10/15/95 (lexis)

On Wednesday, three … mercilessly effective.

Climate change causes global nuclear conflict

Randall and Schwartz, 10/03

(Senior practitioner at the Global Business Network“An Abrupt Climate Change Scenario and Its Implications for United States National Security,http://www.greenpeace.org/multimedia/download/1/417492/0/pentagon-on-climate-change.pdf)

As famine, disease, and weather-related … Amazon runs through seven.

Solvency: Offshore wind turbines reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Offshore wind turbines produce no greenhouse gases.

Offshore Wind Has Minimal Environmental Impacts

Schroeder 10 (“Turning Offshore Wind On” Erica, publishing editor of Ecology Law Quarterly, p. 1631, 2010)

Once a wind project is built, … nuclear generation units.

Offshore Wind Contributes to Clean Energy Use

U.S. Department of Energy (A National Offshore Wind Strategy)

 Increasing the use … and cost‐effective manner.

Offshore wind energy is a more efficient and reliable source of energy.

Offshore Wind More Efficient than Regular Wind Power

Bryant 09 (“Wind Energy in Texas” Margaret, writer for the Environmental and Energy Law and Policy Journal, 2009)

The amount of energy … extensively upgrading the power grid.

Offshore Wind Better Than Regular Wind Power

Mausolf 12 (“Clearing the Regulatory Hurdles” Ashlyn, University of Detroit Mercy Law Review, 12)

It is clear that the benefits of … cost reduction potential. n46

Offshore Wind Lowers Emissions of Greenhouse Gases

U.S. Department of Energy (A National Offshore Wind Strategy)

On average, one …periods of greatest electricity demand.

Offshore wind energy can significantly reduce domestic carbon emissions

Musial and Ram, Scientists at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 10

(Walter and Bonnie, “Large Scale Offshore Wind Power in the United States: Assessment of Opportunities and Barriers,” September 2010, accessed 8-17-12, http://usoffshorewind.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/NREL-large-offshore-wind-us.pdf)

Increasing the percentage of … in the area (Jacobson and High 2008).

Offshore wing energy is key to ensure the success of the electric car revolution and that it actually reduces carbon emissions

Allegro, Bowes, Fisher, and Patel, National Wildlife Federation, 10

(Justin, Catherine, Curtis, and Suraj, “Offshore Wind in the Atlantic: Growing Momentum for Jobs, Energy Independence, Clean Air, and Wildlife Protection,” accessed 8-18-12, http://www.environmentamerica.org/sites/environment/files/reports/NWF-OSW-report-FINAL.pdf)

To truly kick our oil addiction, ..energy for electric sector use.

Mass adoption of offshore wind off the East Coast would by itself significantly reduce global carbon emissions

Musial and Ram 10 (“Large Scale Offshore Wind Power” Walter and Bonnie, principal engineer .. offshore wind.

Subsidies and loan guarantees will lessen the cost of starting offshore wind turbines, causing companies to invest in their creation and production.

Financial Incentives Reassure Investors

Musial and Ram 10 (“Large Scale Offshore Wind Power” Walter and Bonnie, principal engineer of the National Wind Technology Center, 10)

Overall, the opportunities for … conservation and efficiencies.

Financial Incentives Boost Competition and Incentive

Musial and Ram 10 (“Large Scale Offshore Wind Power” Walter and Bonnie, principal engineer of the National Wind Technology Center, 10)

Today, offshore wind in the .. and regulatory issues.

Government Role Critical to Offshore Wind

Conathan 11 (“Clean Energy From America’s Oceans” Michael, Director of Ocean Policy at American Progress, 11)

The government can play a .. that it may not move forward without a loan guarantee.

Federal loan guarantees spur private sector investment in offshore wind projects

Conathan and Caperton, Center for American Progress Director of Oceans Policy and CAP Director for Clean Energy Investment, 6-1-11

(Michael and Richard, “Clean Energy from America’s Oceans,” accessed 8-17-12, http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2011/06/offshore_wind.html)

The government can play a … announced that it may not move forward without a loan guarantee.

Federal incentives are key to spur the growth of the offshore wind industry

Bryant, Lawyer Specializing in Environmental Law, 09

(Margaret, “WIND ENERGY IN TEXAS: AN ARGUMENT FOR DEVELOPING OFFSHORE WIND FARMS,” Environmental and Energy Law and Policy Journal, accessed 8-19-12, p. lexis)

The high and uncertain capital .. design incentives that promote their development.

Reducing risk elements lowers the overall cost of offshore wind

Musial and Ram, Scientists at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 10

(Walter and Bonnie, “Large Scale Offshore Wind Power in the United States: Assessment of Opportunities and Barriers,” September 2010, accessed 8-17-12, http://usoffshorewind.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/NREL-large-offshore-wind-us.pdf)

High project risk has contributed … these technology risk elements.

Only federal leadership spurs the transition to offshore wind energy

Letter to President from the Offshore Wind Industry, 7-24-12

(“Offshore Wind Letter to President Obama,” accessed 8-17-12, http://environmentamerica.org/resources/ame/offshore-wind-letter-president-obama)

As environmentalists, conservationists, … megawatts of clean energy in Europe for over a decade.

Federal support is vital to sustaining clean energy innovation

Yin, Clean Energy Policy Analyst at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, 8-8-12

(Clifton, “Curiosity and the Case for Government Energy Innovation,” accessed 8-18-12, http://theenergycollective.com/cliftonyin/100861/curiosity-and-case-government-energy-innovation)

When considered against the .. of innovation for years to come.

Tournament:  | Round:  | Opponent:  | Judge: 

Harm: The US is in a recession.

U.S. Recession Not Over

Musial and Ram 10  (“Large Scale Offshore Wind Power” Walter and Bonnie, principal engineer of the National Wind Technology Center,10)

The nation is also recovering … for robust economic growth.

b.         Significance:

Strong domestic maritime industry is critical to U.S. hegemony

U.S. TRANSCOM Press Release, 5-23-12

(“TRANSCOM Leader: U.S. Maritime Industry Vital,” accessed 8-18-12, http://www.marinelink.com/news/transcom-maritime344927.aspx)

U.S. TRANSCOM Commanding … moved to Afghanistan and Iraq.

U.S. hegemony is vital to preventing great power war and decreasing overall levels of conflict and violence globally

Kagan, Brookings Institute Senior Fellow, 12

(Robert, The World America Made, page 48-51)

We now know this judgment, …hegemonies by force.

The timeframe is quick—perception of loss of U.S. hegemony instantly starts to unravel the liberal world order

Kagan, Brookings Institute Senior Fellow, 12

(Robert, The World America Made, page 139)

What has made the United … have to make other arrangements.

Loss of U.S. sea power leads to the collapse of the global economy and great power wars

Kagan, Brookings Institute Senior Fellow, 12

(Robert, The World America Made, page 75-78)

What about the liberal economic … to liberal economic orders.

U.S. economic growth is key to prevent global instability and great power wars

Khalilzad, former director of policy planning at the Defense Department, 11

(Zalmay, “The Economy and National Security”, 2-8, http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/259024/economy-and-national-security-zalmay-khalilzad?page=3, ldg)

Today, economic and fiscal trends … hegemony and aggression.

Solvency: Maritime industry boosted by the creation of offshore wind turbines.
The necessity of boats and laborers to survey the areas, construct, and maintain offshore wind turbines would boost the maritime industry surrounding the turbines.

Offshore Wind Proven to Provide Jobs
Mausolf 12 (“Clearing Regulatory Hurdles,” University of Detroit Mercy Law Review, 12)
The wind industry has already …down this opportunity for growth.

Offshore Wind Creates Jobs in Depressed Areas
Musial and Ram 10 (“A National Offshore Wind Strategy” Walter and Bonnie, principal engineer of the National Wind Technology Center, September 2010)
Deployment of wind energy along … wind turbines.

Robust commitment to offshore wind revives the domestic maritime and manufacturing industry
Shearman & Sterling LLP, 10-19-10
(“U.S. Offshore Wind: The Next Renewable Energy Boom,” accessed 8-18-12, http://www.shearman.com/files/Publication/f883c904-95e4-481e-b3ab-5894ff0bab20/Presentation/PublicationAttachment/add990cc-e073-4236-8b49-6342e6862e1f/PDF-101910-U.S.-Offshore-Wind-The-Next-Renewable-Energy-Boom.pdf)

The interest in the development … chain manufacturing.

Offshore Wind Jobs Widespread
Musial and Ram 10 (“Large Scale Offshore Wind Power” Walter and Bonnie, principal engineer of the National Wind Technology Center, September 2010)
Large-scale development of offshore …allowing work at sea to be minimized.

The success of the maritime industry will boost the economies of surrounding areas.

Offshore Wind Produces Maintenance and Construction Jobs
Bryant 09 (“Wind Energy in Texas” Margaret, writer for the Environmental & Energy Law and Policy Journal, 2009)
Increasing the diversity of the state's … reliance on renewable energy.

Michigan Able to Convert Factories to Produce Turbines
Mausolf 09 (“Clearing Regulatory Hurdles” Ashlyn, University of Detroit Mercy Law Review, 09)
Perhaps most importantly, … a wind turbine manufacturing site. 

The success of the coastal economies will boost the United States economy, and subsequently, the global economy.

American Maritime Industry Provides Jobs
Navy League of the United States 11 (“America’s Maritime Industry” civilians and councils supporting sea service members, 11)
No industry has been more … of the 21st Century.

Strong maritime industry is a key component of the U.S. economy
Navy League of the United States, 11
(“America’s Maritime Industry: The Foundation of American Seapower,” accessed 8-18-12, http://www.navyleague.org/files/americas-maritime-industry.pdf) 

The maritime industry is not … output of American importers and exporters.

Maritime Industry Boosts International Trade Benefits
Navy League of the United States 11 (“America’s Maritime Industry” civilians and councils supporting sea service members, 11)
 The Maritime Industry … U.S. economy as a whole.

The success of costal economies aids in national security goals, as the defense of coastlines is strengthened. 

Commercial Shipping Industry Success Boosts Economy
Navy League of the United States 11 (“America’s Maritime Industry” civilians and councils supporting sea service members, 2011)
 The Maritime industry’s … use—wherever and whenever needed.
Reliance on fossil fuels guarantees price spikes and volatility
Musial and Ram, Scientists at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 10
(Walter and Bonnie, “Large Scale Offshore Wind Power in the United States: Assessment of Opportunities and Barriers,” September 2010, accessed 8-17-12, http://usoffshorewind.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/NREL-large-offshore-wind-us.pdf) 

The United States…and Global Warming 2010.

Oil price spikes will crash the economy
Gordon, McClatchy Newspapers Reporter, 8-12-12
(Greg, “Will high oil costs permanently ruin world’s economy?,” accessed 8-30-12, http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2012/08/12/v-print/160935/will-high-oil-costs-permanently.html)
When oil prices…since World War II.

Offshore wind solves for oil price shocks
Rigano, Hofstra University JD Candidate, 10
(Gregory, “THE SOLUTION TO THE UNITED STATES' ENERGY TROUBLES IS BLOWING IN THE WIND,” Hofstra Law Review, Fall 2010, accessed 8-19-12, p. Lexis)
Wind is an environmentally…gross national product.

Offshore wind energy helps decrease price shocks
Mausolf, Univ. of Detroit Mercy JD Candidate, 12
(Ashlyn, “Clearing the Regulatory Hurdles and Promoting Offshore Wind Development in Michigan,” Univ. of Detroit Mercy Law Review, accessed 8-19-12, Winter 2012, p. lexis)
Offshore wind can…result from this dependency. 

Offshore wind energy solves for price spikes and lowers overall prices
Bryant, Lawyer Specializing in Environmental Law, 09
(Margaret, “WIND ENERGY IN TEXAS: AN ARGUMENT FOR DEVELOPING OFFSHORE WIND FARMS,” Environmental & Energy Law & Policy Journal, accessed 8-19-12, p. lexis)
Increasing the diversity…negligible production costs. 

Offshore wind energy creates lower energy costs
Bowes and Allegro, National Wildlife Federation, 12
(Catherine and Justin, “THE TURNING POINT FOR ATLANTIC OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY,” National Wildlife Federation, accessed 10-07-12, https://www.nwf.org/News-and-Magazines/Media-Center/Reports/Archive/2012/09-13-12-The-Turning-Point-for-Atlantic-Offshore-Wind-Energy.aspx)
Offshore winds blow…wholesale energy costs.

Offshore wind has significant energy capacity
Bowes and Allegro, National Wildlife Federation, 12
(Catherine and Justin, “THE TURNING POINT FOR ATLANTIC OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY,” National Wildlife Federation, accessed 10-07-12, https://www.nwf.org/News-and-Magazines/Media-Center/Reports/Archive/2012/09-13-12-The-Turning-Point-for-Atlantic-Offshore-Wind-Energy.aspx)
The first offshore…host roughly 300,000 jobs.

Tournament:  | Round:  | Opponent:  | Judge:
Alt cedes the political-people don’t think criticism is useful.
Gitlin, PhD in sociology from UC Berkeley, 2005
(Todd, The Intellectuals and the Flag, pg 1-2, ldg)

This book assumes…is its negative pole

Makes the K impacts inevitable
Boggs, professor of social sciences at National University, 1997
(Carl, “The great retreat: Decline of the public sphere in late twentieth-century America”, December, Volume 26, Number 6, http://www.springerlink.com.proxy.library.emory.edu/content/m7254768m63h16r0/fulltext.pdf, ldg)

The decline of…from civil society.

The alt never translates into political structures.
Gitlin, PhD in sociology from UC Berkeley, 2005
(Todd, The Intellectuals and the Flag, pg 97-8, ldg)

The thirst for…surrogate for politics

Rejecting politics destroys common frameworks for challenging the status quo.
Chandler, Westminster IR professor, 2004
(David, “Building Global Civil Society `From Below'?”, Millennium, vol 33, no 4, SAGE premier, ldg)

The struggle for…in their beds. 

Tournament:  | Round:  | Opponent:  | Judge:
US has a deceptively strong lead
Bullard, writer for Bloomberg, 12
(Nathanial, January 18, 2012, “U.S. Clean Energy Leadership Is Misleadingly Strong After a Record 2011”, http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-18/u-s-clean-energy-leadership-is-misleadingly-strong-after-a-record-2011.html, 7/24/12, atl)

The season has…carbon power generation.

US is in the lead again
Asian Power, 12
(April 16, 2012, “China loses clean energy leadership to the USA”, http://asian-power.com/environment/in-focus/china-loses-clean-energy-leadership-usa, 7/24/12, atl)

The USA ends…and loan guarantees

Tournament:  | Round:  | Opponent:  | Judge:
creates interactive federalism, ideal for energy policy AND has 5 advantages
Kay, Senior Extension Associate, CaRDI, Cornell University, 12
(David, Senior Extension Associate with the Community & Regional Development Institute (CaRDI) in the Department of Development Sociology, Master of Science, Cornell University, “Energy Federalism: Who Decides?” June 2012, http://devsoc.cals.cornell.edu/cals/devsoc/outreach/cardi/publications/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&PageID=1069208, accessed 8-14-12, ara)

Equally briefly, dual…these energy issues. 

States can’t solve transboundary issues AND can’t afford research, which is key to effective policy
Stein, Associate Professor, Tulane University School of Law, 12
(Amy L, “The Tipping Point Of Federalism,” 7-3-12, http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2098176, Connecticut Law Review, accessed 8-17-12, ara)

Federalism scholars like …addressing egalitarian concerns

States can’t fund the plan without the aid of USFG – budget deficits
Oliff, Policy Analyst, State Fiscal Project, CBPP, 12
(Phil, Policy analyst at the State Fiscal Project at the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, MA in Public Policy from Harvard, Chris Mai, and Vincent Palacios, “States Continue to Feel Recession’s Impact,” 7-27-12, http://www.cbpp.org/cms/index.cfm?fa=view&id=711, accessed 9-3-12, ara)

As a new…recover fully soon 

One size fits all paradigms don’t work for states – different regulations
Gale, Latham & Watkins San Diego Finance Department Chair, 09
(Kelley Michael, Co-Chair for the firm‘s Climate Change and Cleantech Practice Groups., “Financing The Nuclear Renaissance: The Benefits And Potential Pitfalls Of Federal & State Government Subsidies And The Future Of Nuclear Power In California”, Energy Law Journal [Vol. 30:497], 9/5/12, atl)

Some states, such…for our analysis.