🎧 Audio
📖 Script
In a small community in New England, property owners are facing an unexpected situation that could significantly impact their lives. The government has proposed a new route for a renewable energy zone corridor, which will require new transmission lines to pass through their land. This has caused a lot of concern among the residents because they fear their property values will decrease dramatically. This new route was announced without prior warning, leaving many property owners feeling shocked and uncertain about their futures.
The New England renewable energy zone is part of a broader plan to enhance sustainable energy use across the region. The government aims to increase the production and transmission of renewable energy, such as wind and solar power, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. While this initiative is crucial for environmental sustainability, it has unintended consequences for the people living in the corridor’s path.
The residents worry that the presence of large transmission lines on their properties will make their homes less attractive to potential buyers. They are concerned about the visual impact and possible health effects of living close to high-voltage power lines. Moreover, property owners are also frustrated by the lack of consultation and transparency in the decision-making process. They believe that their voices should have been heard before the route was finalized.
Local officials are now facing pressure to find a solution that balances the needs of renewable energy development with the rights and concerns of property owners. Some residents are organizing meetings and protests to voice their opposition and demand a reevaluation of the chosen route. The situation highlights the complex challenges that arise when trying to implement large-scale infrastructure projects that impact local communities.
📝 Vocabulary
- corridor: a long passage or hallway
例文: “The transmission corridor will pass through the town.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- narrow corridor
- wide corridor
- through the corridor
通路、回廊 - renewable: capable of being renewed or restored
例文: “Renewable energy is important for reducing carbon emissions.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- renewable energy
- renewable resources
- renewable sources
再生可能な - plummet: to fall or drop suddenly in amount or value
例文: “They fear their property values will plummet.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- plummet in value
- plummet sharply
- prices plummet
急落する - sustainability: the ability to maintain or continue a process over time
例文: “The project aims to improve environmental sustainability.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- environmental sustainability
- economic sustainability
- sustain a balance
持続可能性 - consultation: the act of discussing something with someone before making a decision
例文: “The residents want more consultation on the project.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- public consultation
- consultation process
- lack of consultation
相談、協議
✏️ Grammar Point
Present Continuous for Future Plans – “The government has proposed a new route for a renewable energy zone corridor, which will require new transmission lines to pass through their land.”
文法の日本語補足を見る
💡 使用場面
将来の計画や予定について話すときに使われます。ビジネスでは、プロジェクトの進行状況を説明する際に便利です。
📝 使用例文
“例: In a business meeting, you might say: ‘We are launching a new product next month, and preparations are underway.’”
❓ Listening Questions
- True/False: The residents were informed in advance about the new transmission line corridor.
- MCQ: What is the main purpose of the New England renewable energy zone?
a) To increase fossil fuel use.
b) To enhance sustainable energy use.
c) To build more housing.
d) To create jobs. - MCQ: Why are the residents concerned about the transmission lines?
a) They like the idea.
b) They fear property values will rise.
c) They are worried about health effects.
d) They want more power supply.
🔑 Listening Answersを見る
- False
- b
- c
📚 Reading Questions
- What are the residents of New England worried about regarding the new transmission line corridor?
- Why do you think the government did not consult the property owners before deciding on the new route?
- What does the word “plummet” mean in the context of the script?
🔑 Reading Answersを見る
- They are worried their property values will decrease and the visual and health impacts of the lines.
- The government might have prioritized quick decisions over thorough consultation.
- To fall or drop suddenly in amount or value.
🇯🇵 日本語での経済ニュース解説
ニューイングランドの再生可能エネルギーゾーンの新たなルートが、地域住民に大きな影響を与えています。このプロジェクトは持続可能なエネルギー供給を目指しており、経済的にも重要ですが、地元の住民は土地価値の下落を懸念しています。日本でも再生可能エネルギーの推進が進んでおり、地域社会との調和が課題です。今後、政府と住民の対話が鍵となるでしょう。
