Intermediate's Debate Competition R1: US Gov should implement solar road highways within the US

Fast response! Thanks! Rebuttal 1: Jellyfish While it is an interesting argument, it is also a speculative one. There are at least three problems with this argument. One, of all the sources cited, not even one implies that the use of jellyfish in any projects at all will disturb the ecosystem. Two, no one has said that every jellyfish or (even the majority of jellyfish) will be needed to make the solar panels for this project. Three, we don't even know that Scott Brusaw is using jellyfish proteins in his solar roadways. Ultimately, if, in fact, jellyfish are being used for their proteins, they will not become extinct, and whatever is being used will also put a dent in the disastrous economical impact Con mentioned in Round 2, concerning the large swarms of jellyfish. Rebuttal 2: NF3 Though there was no source for the CSDS Institution of Oceanography study, let's assume for a minute that most companies DO use NF3 and that Scott Brusaw WILL be using it in his solar panel pieces. Let's look a little at the history of NF3. It was never thought to have such high global warming potential. With that considered, companies weren't too concerned with how much was being released into the atmosphere. It is only recently that they have been able to measure the atmospheric concentration of the gas, where they discovered the effect is was having on the environment. Greenhouse Gas Emissions have now amended their standards to include NF3 on their list of gas emissions in order to combat that. Meaning that, once again, assuming Scott Brusaw actually IS using NF3 in his panels, his company will be required to meet a certain emission standard during production. The previous emissions of this gas weren't the spiteful intentions of fraudulent green-energy managers. It was due to lack of knowledge within the scientific community about the ramifications of nitrogen-trifluoride. They have now taken steps to reduce that. (. http://en.wikipedia.org...) I'd like to point out however, that it is still disputable whether or not NF3 will even be used in solar panels, and, specifically, the ones used on solar roadways. According to the World Resources Institute: "NF3 is used in a relatively small number of industrial processes. It is primarily produced in the manufacture of semiconductors and LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panels, and CERTAIN TYPES of solar panels and chemical lasers. " (Emphasis added). (. http://www.wri.org...) Rebuttal 3: Economy My opponent brings up valid questions in regards to the financial aspect of implementing solar road panels. Some questions at this time cannot be answered definitively, but only speculated. Solar Roadways, the company created by Scott Brusaw was awarded a $100,000 research contract in 2009 to produce a prototype solar road panel. After successful completion, the company received a follow-up grant to take it to the next step by implementing a solar road parking lot. (. http://en.wikipedia.org...) The company in question is currently in this phase II (solar road parking lot). Until they receive further go ahead from the US Department of Transportation, many questions, including the total cost, when the construction will begin and take place, and who will be administering the plan can only be speculated. As stated in the previous round, the initial startup can be funded using the money already set aside in taxes for transportation and even green energy. President Obama included $1.83 billion in his budget for funding major transit projects in 2010. (. http://en.wikipedia.org...) An additional $16 billion in federal loan guarantees was granted to solar companies. (. http://en.wikipedia.org...) The Solar Roadways website lists at least five possible ways for generating revenue from the solar roads: 1) Electricity generation 2) Transportation of cleaned waters to municipalities and/or agricultural centers 3) Leasing conduit to entities (Telephone service, Internet, cable, etc. ) 4) Advertising in the road with the LED's 5) Charging companies and/or people to recharge electric vehicles (in place of gas) The company came up with the following, and this is worst case scenario: The company bases revenue on electricity generation alone, targets the cost at $10,000 per panel (a generous figure - Brusaw estimates the panels will be about $5,000-7,000), and assumes that the price of electricity will NOT increase in the coming years (thus bringing in more revenue). They conclude that based on such a scenario the panels will pay themselves off after 20 years. Once again, note that such limitations on the criteria make it very probable that the panels will pay themselves off well before that. This also is supposing that material cost for production don't decrease as they become more widespread. (. http://www.solarroadways.com...) Stating that some green industries funded by Obama have gone bankrupt is proof that solar roads will fail when funded by the federal government is a non-sequitur. The companies in question were not creating solar roadways, rather involved in other forms of green energy, and the cause of the bankruptcy most probably had little to do with the fact that they were funded by the government. Rebuttal 4: Environment As I have already shown that farming jellyfish should not effect the environment negatively, (and if anything, it will be beneficial) that argument no longer stands. I also already stated in the previous round that the article in question did not quote the inventor predicting its failure, so that argument does not stand either. Conclusion: Being a conservative myself, I often cast a skeptical eye on what may look to be costly and laborious projects. Solar Roadways, however, offers more than just a cool idea. They offer a new future. They offer added safety in all weather conditions by heating up the roads. They offer the possibility of eliminating oil as an energy source (which can decrease terrorist funding). They offer the opportunity for electric cars to be a realistic alternative to internal combustion engines. They will pay for themselves over time. The LED lights within the panels can warn drivers of impending wildlife, pedestrians, construction and accidents. They can produce 3 times the amount of electricity that is required in the United States. Solar roadways seem to be the epitomization of American creativity, productivity, and resourcefulness; they can pave the way (literally) to a brighter future.