T File

Zarefsky Scholars 08 Justin Blau Topicality…Judge 1

TOPICALITY…Judge TOPICALITY…Judge.................................................................................................................................................................................1 Intro..............................................................................................................................................................................................................2 *Generic 1NCs*...........................................................................................................................................................................................3 I-Spec Card..................................................................................................................................................................................................4 In Means Throughout 1NC..........................................................................................................................................................................5 Incentives are Monetary 1NC......................................................................................................................................................................6 Mandates/Negative Incentives 1NC............................................................................................................................................................7 *Specific 1NCs*..........................................................................................................................................................................................8 Nuclear Navy 1NC.......................................................................................................................................................................................9 Hydrogen 1NC...........................................................................................................................................................................................10 China XTRAT 1NC....................................................................................................................................................................................12 AT Reasonability........................................................................................................................................................................................13 *AFF*........................................................................................................................................................................................................14 Broad Incentives Interpretation 2AC.........................................................................................................................................................15 In Means Within 2AC................................................................................................................................................................................16 Incentives are Motivations 2AC................................................................................................................................................................17 Nuclear Navy 2AC.....................................................................................................................................................................................18

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Zarefsky Scholars 08 Justin Blau Topicality…Judge 2

Intro - Yes this is a small file, there are other definitions in Joshua Lee’s t-definitions file - Remember to always make “topical version of your aff” arguments in the 2NC/1NR - Impact your arguments - Frame how debate looks with your interpretation

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*Generic 1NCs*

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I-Spec Card The affirmative must sp Azurin 08

[Rene B., Business World, "Strategic Perspective: Renewable Energy Barriers," February 7th, Lexis]

It is also a manifestation of a strategic perspective, the kind of system-wide thinking and long-run view we need to see exhibited by more of our own government's finance and economic managers. One of the things our highest officials sometimes seem to be unconscious of is a principle I drum repeatedly into the minds of my strategy students: Outcomes are the product of the

prevailing structure of incentives; if you want a particular outcome, you must first design the incentive system to lead to it. Exhortations and directives without an accompanying incentive structure consistent with the desired outcomes are no more than expressions of wishful thinking.The exhortations are simply ignored and the directives simply make people waste time and, uh, energy inventing ways to avoid complying while vigorously pretending to be absolutely, completely in favor of the announced action. Filipinos are particularly creative in this regard. We say - or, more precisely, our public officials say - that the country's energy strategy should be to develop more renewable and alternative energy sources - solar, wind, geothermal, ocean, hydro, biomass - that, because they are indigenous and climate friendly, will reduce our country's dependence on imported fossil fuels that pollute our environment. Currently (according to Department of Energy figures), power plants using renewable energy have an installed capacity of 5,260 megawatts, or 33.5% of total power generating capacity in the country. This is broken down into hydro (3,257 MW), geothermal (1,978 MW), and wind (25 MW). The DOE, according to the hardworking director of DOE's Energy Utilization Bureau, Mr. Mario Marasigan, launched in August 2003 an aggressive

Renewable Energy Policy Framework that targeted the doubling of renewable energy capacity by 2013. This proposed Renewable Energy Bill, says Mr. Marasigan, will "provide incentives and remove some major market and financial barriers to renewable energy development [and] should create a better investment environment for private proponents." Unfortunately, the bill remains stuck in Congress. A workshop participant wryly commented that congressional energy is naturally directed more toward increasing congressional pork barrel allocations than achieving energy independence for the country.

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In Means Throughout 1NC A. Definition - the word “in”implies throughout Words and Phrases 08 [Permanent Edition, vol. 20a, p. 207] Colo. 1887. In the Act of 1861 providing that justices of the peace shall have jurisdiction “in” their respective counties to hear and determine all complaints, the word Larkin, 14, p. 114, 117, 10 Colo. 126.

“in” should be construed to mean “throughout” such counties.Reynolds v.

B. Interpretation – the aff must increase an alternative energy incentive throughout the United States, they…

C. Implications Predictable Negation–Affs like Appalachian Mountain wind mills and subsidizing a corn farm in Iowa make negation impossible because negatives can’t prepare for every specific solution, this destroysclashand in depth policy discussion, which are key to determining best policy options. Unfeasibility–the USFG wouldn’t target specific regions or companies for incentives for alternative energy, the goal of the resolution is to create a national approach Bad Solution Model–The most widespread solution addresses the issues posed by the resolution best, uber specificity precludes the discussion of broader proposals that target the energy problem

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Incentives are Monetary 1NC A. Definition - Incentives are monetary Queensland Legislation 04 “Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2004”http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/Bills/51PDF/2004/FOIAmdB04Exp.pdf

An incentive is defined to include: • monetary amounts, including any component that represents a refundor partial refund of a tax, fee or charge, whether as a lump sum or byinstallments; and • any other benefit, for example, installation or upgrade ofinfrastructure, release or compromise of a debt owing to the State orpayments to someone else to provide training.

B. Interpretation – The aff must increase alternative energy incentives through monetary actions, they…

C. Implications Prevents Arbitrary Motivations – The aff could claim that giving a lap dance to an energy corporation owner is an incentive, the discussion of such incentives excludes focus on feasible methods of increasing alternative energy Predictable Negation – Monetary incentives set the boundaries of debate ensuring clash, this creates in depth policy analysis of different relevant incentives that determines the best policy option Monetary Focus is Good – Considering monetary actions is essential to understanding the decision making process, energy bills include monetary provisions, understanding the mechanisms behind alternative energy is vital to creating informed citizens who can engage the political process.

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Mandates/Negative Incentives 1NC A. Definition - Incentives are positive reasons for acting Turnbull et al 01 - professor of Special Education University of Kansas [“IDEA, Positive Behavioral Supports, and School Safety,” Ann, 30 J.L. & Educ. 445 (2001), Hein Online] The term "incentive" is different from the term "requirement." An incentive is a positive reason for acting; a requirement is a legal duty to act. The differ-ence in meaning is consistent with our argument above that the PBS provisions do create a presumption in favor of that technology.

B. Interpretation - the affirmative cannot be a regulatory or negative measure used to increase alternative energy production, they…

C. Implications Predictable Negation – Positive incentives create the best arena for debate, there are an infinite number of penalties that can be placed on energy producers, that destroys clash, which is key to determining best policy options Best Incentive Option – Negative incentives and mandates are negative ground, they hijack these arguments and preclude the in depth discussion of the best types of incentives to solve the energy problem

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*Specific 1NCs*

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Nuclear Navy 1NC A. Definitions - Nuclear energy is not alternative energy Simon 07 – professor of political science at UNR [Christopher, “Alternative energy: political, economic, and social feasibility,”p. 39-40]

The federal definition of alternative energy is

best summarized by Title 26, chapter 79, §7701 of the revised U.S.

Code: “the term ‘alternative energy facility’ means a facility for producing electrical or thermal energy

if the primary energy

source for the facility is not oil, natural gas, coal, or nuclear power.”

The primary purpose of this definition relates to the issuance of tax credits to “alternative energy facility[ies],” which meet certain standards as defined in Title 26, chapter 1, §48 “Energy Credit.” Tax credits are one method by which the federal government encourages the private sector to make certain

in the case of energy policy, this definition of alternative energy will have a definitive impact on how alternative energy will be defined by those individuals and corporate bodies seeking federal recognition (and benefit) by adopting a particular definition of alternative energy. Many state definitions of alternative energy closely follow federal definitions. Case law confirms that federal guidelines supercede state-level guidelines. Federal standards also impact the state and local receipt of alternative energy grants, subsidies, and tax exemptions. economic choices;

And alternative means different from pre-existing Merriam Webster Online 08 http://www.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=alternative

alternative Pronunciation: \ȯl-ˈtər-nə-tiv, al-\ Function: adjective Date: 1540 1: alternate 12: offering or expressing a different from the usual or conventional: as a: existing or functioning outside the established cultural, social, or economic system
choice <several alternative plans rel="nofollow">3:

lifestyles> b: of, relating to, or being rock music that is regarded as an alternative to conventional rock and is typically influenced by punk rock, hard rock, hip-hop, or folk music c: of or relating to alternative medicine

B. Interpretation – The aff cannot increase incentives for nuclear energy, especially within the context of the navy who is fast-tracking nuclear investment and has congressional approval Bruno 1/17/08

[Michael, “Bartlett prevails in writing nuclear Navy into policy law”, Lexis Nexis, accessed 7/15/08]

Congress has clearly established it is the policy of the United States to utilize nuclear propulsion for major naval combatants," Bartlett said Dec. 12 on the House floor. He said it is a vital step to secure national and energy security. This year, the

"Nuclear propulsion for naval ships is the right thing to do from economic, combat effectiveness, homeland defense and energy policy perspectives," Bartlett asserted. Bartlett

The sea serviceisstrapped for money to fund an alreadyprecarious long-term shipbuilding plan and widely investing in nuclear powerwas a luxury it and Taylor maintain that without congressional pressure, budgetary constraints would "forever" prevent the Navy pursuing such a "farsighted" change.

could not afford. Taylor reminded colleagues that U.S. naval forces count just five oilers in the Pacific, making them prime targets for adversaries. "We could waste no further time because these investments must begin to be made next year for the CG(X) next-generation crictoryuiser," according to Bartlett. Conferees in the report accompanying the annual defense bill said they recognize that a milestone decision for CG(X), where the Navy seeks authorization and appropriations for long-lead time nuclear components for ships two years before full authorization and appropriation for construction, is only months away. Under current near-term budget plans, which even some in the Navy apparently doubt, the Navy plans to award the construction contract for CG(X) in FY '11, according to the report

C. Implications Prefer Federal Definitions – They must defend how the USFG defines alternative energy because it is the simulated actor –contradictory policycreatesbad models of decision-making that encourages breaking law Energy Definition– Defining regions of alternative energy is key to encourage specific innovation to address the issues of fossil fuel consumption, prevents 9

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stale policies based on failing status quo efforts Contextual Evaluation - Non-contextually alternative affs destroy clash, the negative won’t research energy that is already used in the context of a sector. The lost in depth policy discussion is critical to determining the best policy option in energy Negligible Change - from the squo steals negative ground of no action and limits link ground – precluding true cost benefit analysis

Hydrogen 1NC A. Interpretation - Alternative energy cannot be derived from fossil fuels US Department of the Interior 08

[Minerals Management Service, 3/27, http://www.mms.gov/offshore/AlternativeEnergy/Definitions.htm]

Alternative energy: Fuel sources that are other than those derived from fossil fuels. Typically used interchangeably for renewable energy. Examples include: wind, solar, biomass, wave and tidal energy. And Hydrogen is derived from fossil fuels Pfeiffer02 [Dale Allen,http://www.fromthewilderness.com/free/ww3/081803_hydrogen_answers.html, Mr. Pfeiffer is a geologist, author of Giants in Their Steps and The End Of The Oil Age. He has written articles regarding energy at From the Wilderness. He is the author of the often cited essay on peak oil and food production titled Eating Fossil Fuels]

Hydrogen does not freely occur in nature in useful quantities, therefore hydrogen must be split from molecules, either molecules of methane derived from fossil fuels or from water. Currently, most hydrogen is produced by the treatment of methane with steam, following the Now we come to the production of hydrogen.

formula: CH4 (g) + H2O + e > 3H2(g) + CO(g). The CO(g) in this equation is carbon monoxide gas, which is a byproduct of the reaction.35 Not entered into this formula is the energy required to produce the steam, which usually comes from the

burning of fossil fuels. For this reason, we do not escape the production of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. We simply transfer the generation of this pollution to the hydrogen production plants. This procedure of hydrogen production also results in a severe energy loss. First we have the production of the feedstock methanol from natural gas or coal at a 32 percent to 44 percent net energy loss. Then the steam treatment process to procure the hydrogen will result in a further 35 percent energy loss.36 It has often been pointed out that we have an inexhaustible supply of water from which to derive hydrogen. However, this reaction, 2H2O + e = 2H2(g) + O2(g), requires a substantial energy investment per unit of water (286kJ per mole).37 This energy investment is required by elementary principles of chemistry and can never be reduced. Several processes are being explored to derive hydrogen from water, most notably electrolysis of water and thermal decomposition of water. But the basic chemistry mentioned above requires major energy investments from all of these processes, rendering them unprofitable in terms of EROEI. Much thought has been given to harnessing sunlight through photovoltaic cells and using the resulting energy to split water in order to derive hydrogen. The energy required to produce 1 billion kWh (kilowatt hours) of hydrogen is 1.3 billion kWh of electricity.38 Even with recent advances in photovoltaic technology, the solar cell arrays would be enormous, and would have to be placed in areas with adequate sunlight. Likewise, the amount of water required to generate this hydrogen would be equivalent to 5 percent of the flow of the Mississippi River.39 As an example of a solar-to-hydrogen set up, were Europe to consider such a transition, their best hope would lie in erecting massive solar collectors in the Saharan desert of nearby Africa. Using present technology, only 5 percent of the energy collected at the Sahara solar plants would be delivered to Europe. Such a solar plant would probably cost 50 times as much as a coal fired plant, and would deliver an equal amount of energy.40 On top of this, the production of photovoltaic cells has a very poor EROEI. The basic problem of

hydrogen fuel cells is that the second law of thermodynamics dictates that we will always have to expend more energy deriving the hydrogen than we will receive from the usage of that hydrogen. The common misconception is that hydrogen fuel cells are an alternative energy source when they are not. In reality, hydrogen fuel cells are a storage battery for energy derived from other sources. In a fuel cell, hydrogen and oxygen are fed to the anode and cathode, respectively, of each cell. Electrons stripped from the hydrogen produce direct current electricity which can be used in a DC electric motor or converted to alternating current.41

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Prefer Federal Definitions – They must defend how the USFG defines alternative energy because it is the simulated actor – contradictory policy creates bad models of decision-making that encourages breaking law Predictable Negation – There are an infinite number of ways you can store fossil fuel energy, the negative would not be prepared to debate these many storage methods, destroying clash, which is key to the best policy option Energy Definition– Defining regions of alternative energy is key to encourage specific innovation to address the issues of fossil fuel consumption, prevents stale policies based on failing status quo efforts Negligible Change - from the squo steals negative ground of no action and limits link ground – precluding true cost benefit analysis

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China XTRAT 1NC A. Interpretation – the plan can only increase alternative energy incentives The plan is extra topical because it places conditions on the grants for the R&D it incentivizes cooperation with Chinese companies, which is completely separate from alternative energy incentives B. Extra Topicality is Bad Predictable Negation – The aff legitimates extra non-topical plan planks that both artificially inflate solvency and advantage ground, this destroys all possible clash and in depth policy discussion, which destroys determination of the best policy option Shifts topic focus – The aff shifts the focus away from the primary subject of alternative energy, this creates a bad model of decision making where external factors aside from a targeted goal are considered, they preclude the discussion of innovative alternatives. International fiat is a reason to reject the aff and set a precedent–They fiat the cooperation of China with the US, that legitimates all possible countries times all possible alternative energies times all possible incentives, making the topic completely unmanageable.

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AT Reasonability 1.

Bias and Intervention–Reasonability encourages bias and judge intervention, you should treat each round as an independent interpretation of the resolution, anything else is illegitimate and causes stubborn views of the topic that precludes important energy discussions.

2.

Poor Decision Making Model – Decision-making requires certainty, reasonability discourages analysis and settles for less than 100%. Policy certainty is crucial to prevent knee jerk reactions to mainstream problems. Those knee jerk reactions can have negative consequences on alternative energy investment turning case.

3.

Competing interpretations is superior – it allows us to compare interpretations by objective standards, it focuses on evidence and it parallels how we evaluate all other issues, evidence comparison is key to cost benefit analysis which is essential to determining the BPO.

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*AFF*

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Broad Incentives Interpretation 2AC The plan is an increase in an alternative energy incentive Environmental Quality Council 04

“Hydrogen, Wind, Biodiesel, and Ethanol: Alternative Energy Sources to Fuel Montana's Future?”http://www.aeromt.org/PDFs/2004energyreport.pdf

Figure 2-1. General Alternative Energy Incentive Policy Categories: Tax Incentives< Production Tax Credits< Investment Tax Credits< Sales Tax Reductions< Property Tax Reductions< Accelerated DepreciationDirect Cash Incentives
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In Means Within 2AC Counter interpretation - the core meaning of in is “within” Encarta World English Dictionary 07

[“In (1)”, 2007, http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/dictionary/DictionaryResults.aspx?refid=1861620513]

in [ in ] CORE MEANING: a grammatical word indicating that something or somebody is within or inside something. Feasibility – No alternative energy incentive is viable in all 50 states, their interpretation calls for unrealistic policies that are too broadly defined. Predictability – Our interpretation limits out all affirmatives where the incentive occurs outside of the United States. Within the United States is predictable, terrible internal link advantage evidence checks teams reading small affs. Generics Check–The negative can read links specific to the incentive and the form of alternative energy we use, the region targeted by the plan is irrelevant

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Incentives are Motivations 2AC A. Counter Interpretation - Incentives should motivate action or increased effort Oxford English Dictionary 08 http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/incentive?view=uk

incentive • noun a thing that motivates or encourages someone to action or increased effort. Incentive Breadth – Key to determining the best incentive for eliminating dependency, pinning affs to certain types of incentives dismisses discussion of alternate policy mechanisms Multiple Perspectives–Analyzing multiple different incentive mechanisms is the best model for decision making, it is important to understand the benefits and costs of specific incentives

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Nuclear Navy 2AC 1. We meet—the navy defines nuclear power as a source of alternative energy— prefer specific, contextual evidence Claire Bowles, 7/11/08 (“Rising fuel costs could lead to nuclear-powered ships”, http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-06/ns-rfc061108.php, accessed 7/17/08-e.wey) The new bill represents an escalation of recent efforts to get the navy to use more nuclear fuel. The rising cost of oil means it is getting close to the point at which it will be more economic for the navy to use nuclear power, says Representative Roscoe Bartlett, a Maryland Republican, who backs the proposed measures. "A 2007 study by the navy on alternative energy for ship propulsion indicated that the break-even price for nuclear propulsion for amphibious ships was an oil price of $178 dollars per barrel. We're now creeping up to that number - oil hit a new record of $133 a barrel today," he said in a statement on 21 May.

2. Counter-interpretation—alternative energy is coal gasification or liquefaction, nuclear, and fossil based generation Brian Lyman, 2-14-08, Mobile Register, Bill rewards energy proposals favored by Alabama Power Lawmakers are considering a bill that would extend tax breaks to alternative energy power plants - particularly those favored by Alabama Power Co. - but the head of the state's influential teachers union says he is worried the measure might hurt the cash-strapped Education Trust Fund. The bill, sponsored by state Rep. William Thigpen, D-Tuscaloosa, would give noneducational sales tax breaks to those building coal gasification, coal liquefaction or hydropower projects started between 2012 and 2018. Thigpen said Wednesday that the legislation would be a "positive influence" on the state's school budget. "For the last 15 years, Alabama has had the door open for industrial development," Thigpen told the House Education Appropriations committee. "It's brought a lot of money into the ETF."Committee members delayed action on the bill Wednesday over concerns about its potential impact on the Education Trust Fund. The bill is part of a larger

legislative package from the Joint Legislative Committee on Energy Policy. It specifically defines "alternative energy resources" as coal gasification or liquefaction, nuclear and advanced fossil-based generation.Solar, wind, geothermal and other power sources are defined as "renewables" in the legislation and would not qualify for the proposed abatements.

3. Prefer the interpretation— A. Legally precise—it’s from the federal government, which is the most predictable source to derive a definition from—the resolution mandates that we should increase incentives in the United States B. Most predictable—most authors claim that we should just reform or increase the fossil fuels already being used—and framer’s intent—the 2005 college topic was renewable so they didn’t want us to discuss similar issues C. Education—the interpretation limits the resolution to a few crux cases— negative can develop specific strategies resulting in higher quality debates 4. No risk of offense— A. No ground loss—still get huge built in generic ground predicated upon an increase of alternative energy or incentives B. No limits explosion—literature prevents squirrely affs from being read—teams won’t be compelled to run advocacies that are un-defendable 5. Err aff on reasonability— A. Competing interpretations leads to a race to the bottom in which the aff is arbitrarily excluded since the aff can’t generate offense on topicality—we don’t need to provide the best interpretation—just a sufficient interpretation that enables good ground for both sides

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B. T leads to substantive crowd out—should only reject the most egregious cases—literature confirms that the aff shouldn’t be excluded from the resolution 6. Counter-interpretation—only our case is topical OR our case plus your interpretation—no differentiation in limits if our case is added to the list – if only our case is T it limits just as well or better than their interpretation.

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