Showing papers in "Natural Resources Journal in 1983"

The Economic Benefits of Preserving Visibility in the National Parklands of the Southwest

Abstract: A household survey to determine public support for preserving good visibility in Southwestern parks gave power plant air pollution control an estimated $6.2 billion per year, which is twice the current cost of sulfur dioxide controls. An examination of the institutional basis for assigning a cost-benefit study to scenic beauty and for valuing public goods in general found that existence and preservation value rate much higher than user and tourist benefits. The same results applied outside of the Grand Canyon region. It is important, however, to recognize that national public support for preserving visibility at the Grand Canyon may not extend to all scenic areas. 8 tables. (DCK)

The Structure of International Steam Coal Markets

Abstract: A common view is that the international coal market is reasonably competitive and that prices will tend towards long-run marginal costs However, analyses of many commodities reveal the importance of market imperfections and market power in explaining price formation and trade flows A review of the structure of the steam coal market suggests the market is not perfectly competitive Considering industrial concentration, market shares and government policy, it is possible to identify participants with the potential to exercise market power These include the Republic of South Africa, Australia, and Poland on the supply side and Japan and the European Community on the demand side 66 references, 3 figures, 9 tables

Marketable permits: the case of chlorofluorocarbons

Abstract: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned chlorofluorocarbons, suspected of damaging stratospheric ozone, as an aerosol propellant in 1978, but announced a possible marketable permit system in 1980. This paper focuses on the economic aspects of EPA's considerations to illustrate how the concept of marketable permits evolved and to describe some of the results of the analyses. It concludes with some of the lessons learned about marketable permits as a regulatory tool. 15 references, 1 figure, 4 tables.

The Requirement of Beneficial Use as a Cause of Waste in Water Resource Development

Abstract: Water-appropriation rights are wasteful in requiring a beneficial use in order to preserve water for future demand. This rule causes premature and uneconomic speculation in acquiring water property rights for diversion projects. A competitive market is the simple solution to lease and sale of rights. It could defuse much of the political tension of inter-regional and inter-sectoral water disputes, but legislatures must first deal with the problems of transaction costs and monopoly ownership. 33 references. (DCK)

Economics and the Determination of Indian Reserved Water Rights

Abstract: Economics plays a major role in the historically controversial Indian reserved water rights in which reserved rights differ from appropriated rights because Indian reservations predate other appropriated rights of settlers and miners. Other aspects of Indian reserved rights are their magnitude and their coexistence with the land regardless of use. Court decisions relating to practicably irrigable acres (PIA) are examined in terms of quantification of water rights and ethics. The legal analysis concludes that PIA will probably continue, but needs adjustments to the criteria to make them more strict and more appropriate. 62 references. (DCK)

Risk assessment and environmental benefits analysis

Abstract: Benefits analysis applied to regulations involving health risks, such as primary air quality standards, faces two types of uncertainty. One is regulatory uncertainty: absence of information concerning the supply of and demand for regulated air quality. The second is scientific uncertainty: lack of information on thresholds defining air quality health standards. When these uncertainties interact, they define net social risk, modeled as a social welfare constraint on maximization of regulatory benefits. This risk can be lowered by raising standards or by reducing regulatory and scientific uncertainty. Current policy does neither, limiting options for regulatory efficiency and raising net social risks. 32 references.

Environmental law - Atomic Energy Act

Abstract: Litigation between West Chicago, Illinois and Kerr-McGee Chemical Corp. brought a court decision supporting state or local authority to regulate non-radiation hazards associated with atomic energy. The decision does not address the distinction between radiation and non-radiation dangers. Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act of 1946 indicate a change of policy from centralized control to more private development and state involvement. This suggests a joint federal and state effort could define the limits of authority. 35 references.

Routes and roadblocks: state controls on hazardous-waste imports

Abstract: This article explores three ways that states can restrict hazardous-waste imports: (1) the narrow remaining ground for a direct, unilateral import restriction, (2) interstate compacts authorized under the Solid Waste Disposal Act, and (3) state ownership of hazardous-waste facilities. The analysis considers several lower federal and Supreme Court decisions, concluding that, despite obstacles, state ownership of hazardous-waste facilities provides the best means for states to impose import restrictions in the near future. 147 references.

Montana Grizzly Bears Protest Exploratory Drilling in Wilderness Area

Abstract: Grizzly bears require vast areas for their natural ranging habits and thrive best when isolated from humans The continued encroachment of man, with increased recreation, logging, mining, and energy development, has reduced the bears' natural habitat until it is in danger of extinction In 1975 Congress recognized the precarious future of the grizzly and listed it as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act The Forest Service has indicated that the impact of drilling, along with other uses of wilderness areas, could adversely affect the bears

Oil and Gas Royalty Recovery Policy on Federal and Indian Lands

Abstract: Government income from oil and gas production on federal and Indian lands has increased dramatically in recent years. However, insufficient attention has been paid to the benefits and, more particularly, to the costs of reforming the nation's minerals management system. The best evidence suggests that revenue losses are generally less than 2% of successfully collected royalties each year. The direct increases in the Department of the Interior's outlays for improved royalty management could be between $38 to 63 million each year. This is about one to two percent of successfully collected annual royalties. Net benefits of proposed management reforms are probably negative and harm to the public welfare may occur. On the other hand, any revenue losses are significant from a local perspective. States and Indian tribes deserve prompt, accurate, and complete payment of royalties. 5 tables.