First point, a run - on occurs when you try to join a phrase with the main sentence with punctuation other than a comma such s period, semicolon or colon. A is a run - on but B is not, since it uses the comma.

Second, -And -is a co-ordinate conjunction its purpose is to join two equal things. In the exercise in front, the main issue is to find how new government projects will impact local populations; whether they specifically pose a burden is part of the main impact and not equal to the impact.

Third, when you use the co-ordinate conjunction, it is justified to skip the subject, provided , you can use the same subject of the main clause, which incidentally in this case is – groups- If you insert the subject - groups – in the second part you can see the absurdity of leaving the subject to imagination. The correct subject of the second part is the – projects – and unless this subject is mentioned, then the choice suffers unclear expression; that is why D is not correct

PS: May I request you not pre-empt the answer; we must get some good discussion before we know the answer.
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+1 B
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Choices C, D and E change the meaning, why? The subject of the main sentence in all these cases is groups. However, the subject of subordinate clause is projects and the duty of this subject projects stops with affecting local population. Then what will be the subject of the second independent sentence - pose an unjust burden -? The first eligible contender is the subject of the main sentence namely groups. If we mean that groups pose a burden then it is total distortion of meaning. That is why they are suspect.
There may be hot debates that the projects itself can legally stand as the subject of the second part. . In order to avoid this muddle, well, I think GMAT does require a more clear choice that re-mentions the projects as the subject of the second part and seals the debate once for all, in favor of B.
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Alicia Helle, an online student at the UW, "Obtaining my degree online has been a blessing. With two small children, I am able to work when it is convenient for my family and me. I have nothing but positive comments and experiences from my time at UW-Stout.”

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On second thoughts , I don't see "groups" as a subject of the fragment.

Ideally, groups focused on environmental justice should be concerned with how new government projects will impact local populations. Specifically whether the projects would pose an unjust burden for lower-income and minority


Ideally, groups focused on environmental justice should be concerned with how new government projects will impact local populations and pose an unjust burden for lower-income and minority

It would have been correct if the "would" in the original wasn't present.

Plz correct me if I am wrong !!!
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