U.S. Nuclear Society in need of loan guarantee

The US Department of Energy says loan guarantee changes are needed if they are to increase the number of nuclear power plants in the country. They help the environment but are rather costly. The government gave an offer of $7.5 billion loan guarantee with an attached fee of $880 million. This shows the government knows this program needs revisions. There has been a halt in developing new nuclear power plants because additional government support is needed. In this example the US needs a loan guarantee instead of a loan because of the expensive price tag. This change in the program because of loan guarantees helps illustrate the indirect form of government helps implement public policy. The US Department of Energy was even brought up in class as an example of loan guarantees even though it is in need of reform.

http://www.platts.com/RSSFeedDetailedNews/RSSFeed/Nuclear/8107310

Michelle Watkins

30 False Fronts Won Contracts for Blackwater

Government contracting work to private businesses has become increasingly common. A prominent contractor was Blackwater Worldwide, now Xe Services. Although contracting is justified as a means to increase the capacity and efficiency of providing public services, it can threaten democratic transparency and accountability. The article illustrates the concerns of some legislators about the conduct of Xe Services in the defense and national security arena. When you read the article, consider these questions: Is contracting out of government work really more efficient?; Are contracting practices as transparent as they need to be in a democratic society? ; Can contracting out sometimes undercut public policy goals?; and Who benefits from contracting out?


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/04/world/middleeast/04blackwater.html?_r=1&emc=eta1