OIL & NUCLEAR WASTE SPILL
THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH IN ACTION
THE CRISIS
An oil tanker in the Prince William Sound off the Alaskan coast ran aground early today, spilling over 10 million
gallons of oil into the ocean. The tanker, named the Shell Gael, was also carrying 10,000 barrels of nuclear waste
products from the Alaskan nuclear power plant, since Alaskan law forbids nuclear waste disposal. In the 5 hours since
the crash, rescue teams and disaster officials have been unable to locate any nuclear waste barrels. Scientists have
tested the Sound's waters and were shocked to find extremely high levels of radioactivity, thus creating the fear that
much, if not all, of the nuclear waste has escaped into the air and water.
To complicate matters, a freak storm has created winds and currents that are carrying the nuclear waste both
towards the west coast of North America and towards the Japanese coast (that's right, in two different directions!!!).
Scientists and meteorologists fear that the coasts of Japan, Canada, and much of the western United States could be
subjected to nuclear waste washing up on their shores within the next 24 to 72 hours. It is unknown whether the
radioactive materials will dissipate into the air. The oil spill, meanwhile, is so massive that the clean up may take months.
During that time, it is feared that the oil may threaten hundreds of miles of Alaskan coastline, interfere with the fishing
industry, and clog up the shipping lanes.
The cause of the tanker crash in unknown. As a young man, the captain of the ship was diagnosed with a
personality disorder, but has a flawless criminal record and has never had an incident as captain. Foul play of some sort
has not been suspected, but has not been definitely ruled out.
This is all the information the President has received in the 5 hours since the spill. A plan of action must be made.
It is your job to advise the President on the appropriate action.
YOUR TASKS
As a group:
1. First, you must learn the responsibilities of each of the Cabinet Departments. Use the textbook to read about
the departments and match the descriptions in the textbook with the descriptions of the Cabinet Departments
on the answer key. Check your answers with Ms. Hull. After checking your answers, you may cut and paste the
responsibilities of each department in the correct location of the graphic organizer.
2. Now that you are clear on the responsibilities of each department, as a group identify what you think each
department would do in response to the crisis described above. Think of several ways in which the department
would assist during the crisis. Fill in the crisis responsibilities of department in the second column of your chart.
Individually (Due Wednesday Mar. 25th):
Requirements: 1.5-2 pages double spaced, size 12 font, Times New Roman.
1. Response Qs on the different cabinet departments.
a. If you had to work as the head of one of the departments, which would you choose and why?
b. Which of the departments do you think is least necessary? Why? Could we afford to eliminate
the department? Explain.
c. Which department do you think is most important to our country’s ability to function? Explain.
2. Pretend that you are the President's press secretary. Write the President a memo which addresses the following
and include thoughtful explanations for each piece of advice:
a. How would you advise the President to interact with the press? Would you suggest a press
conference? A press release (a statement)? Who should deliver the information?
b. What information about the crisis and the government’s response should be given out? What
information should be kept confidential? Give specific examples involving several cabinet
departments.