CX Debate Topic Analysis Larry McCarty lmac916@gmail.com or larry.mc@excite.com Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its nonmilitary exploration and/or development of the Earth's oceans. Oceans hold 99 percent of the space for Earth s living organisms; yet many experts argue humans know less about the world s oceans than outer space. This fact solidifies the topic as one which offers an opportunity to examine both U.S. and international law on matters related to the Earth s ocean resources. In early 2012, the National Ocean Council drafted an Implementation Plan to translate President Obama s National Policy for the Stewardship of the Ocean. The document indicates a readiness by the U.S. government to address oceanic exploration and development policies in the areas of marine planning, coastal communities, commercial fishing, agriculture and energy. Possible affirmative cases would include reducing overfishing, limiting ocean acidification, conducting disease research, restricting invasive species and decreasing ocean dumping. Other affirmatives could deal with changes in Arctic shipping routes or opportunities for oil and natural gas exploration. Negative positions can focus on international issues, especially with China or Russia, in regard to control of the Exclusive Economic Zone of oceans. Some negatives might take the route of environmental challenges or threats that development might encounter. Additionally, there is a wealth of negative information focusing on the burden additional exploration or development would place on the U.S. economy. Topic Overview Analysis of terms in the resolution United States federal government should substantially increase Student Activity Conference 2013 1
its non-military exploration and / or development Earth s oceans Student Activity Conference 2013 2
General Information United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) designation of specific areas internal waters baseline traditional low-water shoreline territorial waters (12 nautical miles) Archipelagic waters contiguous zone an additional 12 nautical miles areas of state regulation include customs, taxation, immigration and pollution Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) 200 nautical miles from the baseline applies to resources and additional rights of access Continental shelf refers to the outer edge of the continent or 200 miles from baseline, whichever is greater varying kinds of regulations related to area US State development limitations Submerged Lands Act (1953) 3 mile limit exceptions are Texas and western Florida Affirmative General Strategy exploration / development problems solutions causes Student Activity Conference 2013 3
Affirmative Case Ideas Resource production Ocean Transportation issues Exploration of specific areas Environmental protection general / specific Species protection Regulation fishing, commerce, exploration, tourism Designated Novice Case Areas 1. Ratify (Accede) to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea so that resources of the Arctic can be developed by the U.S. 2. Increase development of offshore aquaculture in U.S. Ocean waters 3. Increase federal oil and/or gas leasing on the outer continental shelf 4. Increase offshore renewable energy development (offshore wind, ocean thermal gradients, wave power, or tidal barrages) Specific cases 1. develop wind farms 2. cooperative exploration of regions 3. create a federal agency for exploration / development 4. algae farming / management 5. aqua culture 6. arctic exploration 7. airline monitoring 8. floating SMRs 9. consistent regulations regardless of location 10. climate change Student Activity Conference 2013 4
NEGATIVE STRATEGY Present System Programs state development UNCLOS bi-lateral treaties commercial development U.S. Navy resources Coast Guard resources Topicality Violations should substantially increase its nonmilitary exploration development Earth s oceans Solvency Student Activity Conference 2013 5
Disadvantages China economic disruption federalism misallocation of resources election scenarios hegemony backlash environmental devastation north / south divide trade wars U.S. political polarization destroy tourism Critical Arguments Student Activity Conference 2013 6