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Browsing by Author "Shabman, Leonard A."

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    Alternative methodological approaches to natural resource policy analysis: an illustration of an institutional approach to land use policy analysis
    Luzar, E. Jane (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1986)
    Policy economists are increasingly called upon to participate in the institutional design of natural resource policies, predict interpret impacts of alternative the direction of future policy policies, and formulations. However, many of the forces influential in the current reformulation of these policies extend beyond the exchange oriented scope of the traditional mainstream methodological perspective of contemporary economics. In particular, the inability of mainstream economics to analytically incorporate concepts of institutional change, as well as the analytical limitations imposed by its predictive epistemological basis suggest the need for an alternative analytical framework for use in policy analysis. This study explores the potential contribution of an alternative, institutional approach to policy analysis. Certain properties of the institutional approach identified in this study, including its nonpredictive epistemological orientation, focus on institutions as the unit of observation, reliance on behavioral analysis, and ability to incorporate a wider array of disciplinary perspectives are evaluated with respect to their contribution to policy analysis. The primary analytical technique of institutional economics, development of a pattern model, is analyzed in some detail and compared with traditional mainstream analytics. An illustration of an institutional approach to policy analysis is developed to examine policy considerations raised by the farmland retention issue. A pattern model is constructed to provide the framework for the institutional analysis. Primary components of the model, the policy environment and the actors within that environment, structure the qualitative and quantitative analysis. The pattern model is designed to increase policy economists' understanding of issues fundamental to the development of natural resource policies, e.g., Why is a particular policy chosen from the menu of possible policy options?, What motivates individuals to participate in a policy?, What is the process underlying policy formulation?, and, What is the institutional evolution of a policy? The conclusions to the study are two-part: first, conclusions and policy recommendations are offered for the specific case of the farmland retention issue. Second, for the more general case of natural resource policy analysis, an evaluation of the potential analytical contributions of an institutional approach or a blend of approaches is offered.
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    An analysis of linkages between the manufacturing and agricultural sectors in Virginia
    Nieves, Leslie Anne Dugdale (Virginia Tech, 1977-05-04)
    In an effort to discover the trade-offs involved in pursuing the policy alternatives of increasing manufacturing employment in rural areas while still maintaining a viable agricultural sector, this study explored some interrelationships between the manufacturing and agricultural sectors. The objectives of the study were to determine the relationship of changes in manufacturing employment to agricultural sector changes in: (1) labor employment, (2) land use, (3) capital investment and (4) farm family income levels. The data covered the period from 1950 to 1974. Partial correlation analysis was used to examine the degree and direction of relationship between manufacturing and agricultural sector variables for the State and subregions. The results indicated that increasing manufacturing employment is associated with agricultural decline. Nonfarm land use and the dual employment of farm operators were found to be increasing across the State. Investment in agriculture was shown to be adversely affected by proximity to manufacturing employment growth. Farm family income levels and their rate of increase were only partially explained by changes in manufacturing employment. While the decline in agricultural employment may not be affected by local policy, the resultant exodus of rural population may be moderated by the availability of employment alternatives in manufacturing
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    An analysis of the ability of Virginia's water systems to finance system improvements
    Hunter, Janet R. (Virginia Tech, 1995-09-14)
    The Safe Drinking Water Act and its 1986 Amendments are expected to result in increasing costs for water systems. The ability of systems to finance the required improvements is examined. The financial needs of water systems are examined to determine if needs vary by system ownership or system size. Increased water rates are expected as a result of financing system improvements. The increase in rates is predicted, and the effect of increased rates on low-income households is examined. The study concluded that the problem facing Virginia's water systems is not an inability to finance system improvements. The increased rates expected as a result may, however, impose hardships on low-income households.
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    An analysis of the effects of institutional, biological and economic forces on the Virginia oyster fishery
    March, Richard Alan (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1986)
    The Virginia oyster industry changed markedly in the period between 1950 and the present. This change has been the result of a variety of forces which can be conveniently classified as economic, biological and institutional. In general, biological forces initiated a series of changes in the fishery which have had economic impacts and impacts on the institutional structure of the fishery. The biological forces have had a much more severe impact on the seed-planting, or private grounds, sector than on the public grounds sector. The dependence of the seed planting sector on public seed beds and the different regulatory regimes applicable to the public and private grounds makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions on the relative merits of alternative tenure structures. The magnitudes of economic, biological and public policy forces as contributing factors to the decline of the oyster fishery are estimated and it is concluded that the biological forces have played the dominant role in the decline of the Virginia oyster fishery. It is suggested that attention be focused on the physical and management inputs to the production of oysters and on methods for bringing forth an appropriate resource mix. It is argued that either a predominantly private grounds fishery, a predominantly public grounds ‘' fishery, with appropriate institutional modifications to allow efficient harvest technologies to be used without threatening the viability of the resource base, or a mixed tenure system could be used and with appropriate management could result in substantial revitalization of the Virginia oyster industry. However, because of the biological changes which have occurred, management, whether public or private, takes on a much more important role in determining the future of the Virginia oyster fishery.
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    Assessing Landowner Level Costs for Riparian Forest Buffer System Adoption on Farms in Virginia's Chesapeake Bay Watershed
    Smith, Clifton Lee Jr. (Virginia Tech, 1998-07-22)
    Riparian Forest Buffer Systems contribute to non-point source pollution control and improve the physical and trophic qualities of streams. There is a limited understanding of the full range of costs incurred when implementing a RFBS. Establishment costs will vary with the site characteristics. The amount of forgone income will vary with the current land-use. RFBS enterprises may yield returns that partially or fully offset forgone income. Section A discusses the physical characteristics and functions of RFBS in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Section A argues that RFBS design and site characteristics alter the physical ability of RFBS to produce environmental services. Altering design specifications may come at little environmental loss but might greatly reduce landowner costs. Section B describes a decision support system that can provide landowners and policy makers with financial information on the site specific changes in costs that occur as RFBS designs are altered. Section C utilizes the decision support system software to simulate the common design and site characteristics found within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed of Virginia. Generalizations are drawn concerning reduction efficiencies of a RFBS based on the physical characteristics of the regions. Section D discusses government policies and incentive programs, as well as additional private income opportunities, that may influence the cost and adoption of RFBS. Findings revealed a range of annual per acre cost of adoption between $140.09 rising to a positive return of $124.79, depending on assumptions of site characteristics, land-use, and supplemental financial incentives.
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    Bacteria Total Maximum Daily Load Issues: Report of the Bacteria TMDL Subcommittee of the Water Quality Academic Advisory Committee
    Dillaha, Theo A. III; Hershner, Carl H.; Kator, Howard I.; Mostaghimi, Saied; Shabman, Leonard A.; Smith, Eric P.; Younos, Tamim M.; Zipper, Carl E. (Virginia Water Resources Research Center, 2002-10)
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    A case study of investment in agricultural sustainability: adoption and policy issues for nitrogen pollution control in the Chesapeake Bay drainage
    Norris, Patricia E. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1988)
    Nutrient loadings to the Chesapeake Bay are a source of concern for water quality agencies. In particular, excess nitrogen loadings from agricultural production activities threaten water quality in the Bay. Questions have been raised about how effectively traditional BMPs can control nitrogen loss from crop production. This study examines agricultural nitrogen pollution control from an input management perspective. Using an economic and physical model, seven production systems and nitrogen management strategies are compared in terms of input use, profitability, and nitrogen loss potential. Results suggest that several of the production systems will reduce residual nitrogen without reducing profits. However, it is recognized that factors in addition to profitability will influence producers' nitrogen management decisions. Therefore, using the results of a farmer survey, adoption models are estimated to examine the impact of production system characteristics and producer characteristics on the decision to use an alternative production system and nitrogen management strategy. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to examine the impact of alternative policy tools on adoption incentives. Both financial incentives and education and information programs are found to be important tools for influencing producers' decisions. Producers' interest in the alternative systems and desire for information on the systems suggest that agricultural research will contribute by assuring that producers have access to adequate information on the alternative systems.
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    Citizen attitudes toward management of the Chesapeake Bay
    Shabman, Leonard A.; Ashton, Peter M. (Water Resources Research Center, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1976)
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    Costs and legal issues of reserving water supply sites for future use
    Geyer, L. Leon; Shabman, Leonard A. (Virginia Water Resources Research Center, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1982-06)
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    December 2006 Report Of The Academic Advisory Committee To Virginia Department Of Environmental Quality: Freshwater Nutrient Criteria For Rivers And Streams
    Zipper, Carl E.; Yagow, Eugene R.; Walker, Jane L.; Smith, Eric P.; Shabman, Leonard A.; Smock, Leonard A.; Hershner, Carl H.; Younos, Tamim M.; Benfield, Ernest F.; Bukaveckas, Paul A.; Garman, Greg C.; Kator, Howard I.; Lung, Wu-Seng; Stephenson, Stephen Kurt (Virginia Water Resources Research Center, 2007-01-10)
    This report reviews activities conducted by the Academic Advisory Committee to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) between July and December 2006. Activities were conducted for the purpose of developing recommendations for DEQ regarding nutrient criteria for freshwater rivers and streams.
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    December 2006 Report of the Academic Advisory Committee to Virginia Department of Environmental Quality: Freshwater Nutrient Criteria for Rivers and Streams
    Zipper, Carl E.; Yagow, Eugene R.; Walker, Jane L.; Smith, Eric P.; Shabman, Leonard A.; Smock, Leonard A.; Hershner, Carl H.; Younos, Tamim M.; Benfield, Ernest F.; Bukaveckas, Paul A.; Garman, Greg C.; Kator, Howard I.; Lung, Wu-Seng; Stephenson, Stephen Kurt (Virginia Water Resources Research Center, 2007-01-10)
    This report reviews activities conducted by the Academic Advisory Committee to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) between July and December 2006. Activities were conducted for the purpose of developing recommendations for DEQ regarding nutrient criteria for freshwater rivers and streams.
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    A decision model to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of alternative Virginia oyster grounds management strategies
    Thunberg, Eric M. (Virginia Tech, 1985-09-15)
    Public and private concern over the decline of Virginia's oyster industry prompted the General Assembly (GA) in 1977 and 1983 to commission its Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) to examine the State's oyster grounds management policies. In response to JLARC's findings the GA directed Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) to construct and implement an oyster fisheries management plan. The GA set as the plan's objective to achieve the greatest production level possible subject to limits of physical resource availability and technical feasibility. That the plan should be attentive to cost-effectiveness was also expressed by the GA. In developing its management plan VMRC must consider a variety of environmental, economic and political factors affecting the production and harvest of market oysters. A linear programming model developed for VMRC's use in evaluating alternative oyster grounds management strategies is described. The objective of the programming model is to minimize the public plus private cost of producing a prespecified level of market oyster harvest over a ten year planning horizon. The model includes as its activities the different aquacultural techniques used by private planters and VMRC in its repletion program. The many environmental, economic and political factors are incorporated into the model's constraints and technical coefficients. Several management alternatives are evaluated with the model. The results of these analyses indicate that without a fundamental in the oyster repletion program, even if new oyster grounds management policies are considered, there would be little change in public grounds market oyster harvest over current levels. Under revised repletion program practices, however, marked increases in public grounds harvest could be effected for relatively small increases in repletion program budget allocations over current levels.
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    Demand for selected classes of convenience food in the United States
    Hull, David B. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1982)
    The focus of this research was the problem of identifying the economic and demographic factors that determine household expenditure for convenience food in the United States. A major objective was to measure, for various classes of convenience food, the response of expenditures to changes in demand determinants so that food expenditure profiles can be simulated for households with different characteristics and constraints. Another major objective was to determine the effect of the meal preparer's value of time on household use of convenience food. The work of others on similar models of food demand has been extended to include analysis of the effects of the sex and employment status (market-orientation) of the meal preparer, the value of the meal preparer's time, household size, income and age-sex composition. Other factors in the models include region, race, urban setting and season. The functions were specified from a theoretical model developed from the theory of the household production function. Foods used by households as reported in the 1977-78 Nationwide Food Consumption Survey were divided into classes of nonconvenience, basic convenience, complex convenience and manufactured convenience food. Nonconvenience foods are raw, unprocessed foods or ingredient foods. Basic convenience foods are single ingredient foods with limited culinary expertise embodied, usually providing a type of preservation convenience. Complex convenience foods are multiple ingredients, highly prepared foods. Manufactured convenience foods include products which have no home prepared counterpart. For the three convenience classes, nonincome-earning female meal preparers all had positive elasticities of the value of time. Except for the basic convenience food model, the income-earning female meal preparers had positive value of time elasticities. The nonmarketoriented female meal preparers had negative elasticities of value of time in the nonconvenience class. The income elasticity for all food classes ranged from 0. 03in the nonconvenience food expenditure model to 0.08 in the complex convenience food model. The significance of statistical tests on the range of income elasticities verifies that the food categories investigated are neither inferior nor luxury goods, and that demand models for all food at home that ignore the effects of the value of time would overestimate the elasticity of expenditure with respect to income.
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    Demand for water resources information: a conceptual framework and empirical investigation
    Osborn, Carl T. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1986)
    This study develops and presents a conceptual framework which builds upon and extends the economics of information literature. Combining observations which emerge from a review of literature concerning organizational decision processes, this framework considers the nature of the demand and value for water resource information by individuals who participate in the decision making process found within public water management organizations. Based upon this conceptual framework the paper reports the results of an empirical model relating decision participant use of the Water Resource Council' s Second National Water Assessment and hypothetical expenditures on "national assessment type information" to personal and agency characteristics in two water basin management situations; instream versus offstream water use competition in the Missouri River basin, and low freshwater inflows to Chesapeake Bay. In addition, results of a contingent ranking investigation designed to estimate marginal water information values are presented and the potential use of the contingent ranking method by agencies in water data collection discussed. Results of the investigations indicate that previous use of specific water information products and the level of expenditures made on certain types of water information are influenced by personal and organizational characteristics. Consequently, there can exist no "correct" information system and thus no "correct" data collection plan in the absence of knowledge concerning information value. Moreover, results indicate that contingent ranking procedures involving items of information may be successfully conducted in a mail survey format and that the information value estimates derived through this technique can be employed to promote greater efficiency in water data investment.
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    Development of procedures for improved resolution of conflicts related to interjurisdictional water transfer
    Cox, William E.; Shabman, Leonard A. (Virginia Water Resources Research Center, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1985-09)
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    An economic analysis and evaluation of the impact of the construction and operation of a hydroelectric facility in a rural area of Virginia
    Anderson, William Bagwell (Virginia Tech, 1976-05-16)
    In this chapter, the recreational facilities included as part of the proposed hydroelectric facility were examined and analyzed from several prospectives. From a national accounting perspective, the Recreation Ponds Area was found to have a benefit-cost ratio greater than one if the high valuation of $2025 per user-day was used to estimate benefits o At lower valuation figures, the justification of the RPA on efficiency grounds becomes more questionable. The recreation area will have a positive impact on the study region's economy through increased economic activity and resident use, however, a complete assessment of local benefits and costs was not made. It appears that the incidence of the recreation facility's benefits and costs are such to result in an income transfer from electricity users (assuming the recreation facility's costs are reflected electric rates) to its recreation facility's uses. There is no economic rationale to justify this transfer nor to lead to the conclusion that this transfer is undesirable. In terms of the "Code of Federal Regulations," there is some question as to whether the RPA is required in the hydroelectric facility because it is separate from the pump-storage reservoirs. However, it appears that the FPC has established a "rule of thumb" requiring recreational facilities in conjunction with such facilities.
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    An economic approach to water supply planning in southeastern Virginia
    Anderson, William Bagwell (Virginia Tech, 1978-03-06)
    An examination was conducted of alternative responses to the water supply situation in four cities in southeastern Virginia. Cost/benefit analyses were performed for the provision of projected levels of use and for reductions in those levels of use achieved with the use of quotas, price increases, and water saving devices. An important element of these analyses was the consideration of the costs incurred as a result of waste water treatment with different levels of water use. The levels of the principal types of water use were estimated for each city. This provided a basis for the projection of water demand curves necessary for estimating the value of water. Optimal schedules for the development of additional water sources were derived through the examination of water demand, relative to the costs of operating and expanding water supply and waste water. treatment facilities.
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    Economic incentives for institutional change: the case of the Virginia Wetlands Act
    Carriker, Roy R. (Virginia Tech, 1976-11-12)
    The case of the Virginia Wetlands Act of 1972 is presented as a problem setting within which to explore the view that some institutions provide economic services, and that pressure for institutional change result from changes in demand for these services. A general hypothesis to be tested in the case of the Virginia Wetlands Act is that institutional change to assure protection of ecologically productive wetlands was associated with increases in demand for those goods, services, and activities dependent in some way on the ecological services of wetlands. More specifically, it is hypothesized that net social benefits from preservation of wetlands have been increasing more rapidly than net social benefits from development uses of wetlands which destroy marsh vegetation. This research used a case study approach to examine the influence on residential land prices of waterfront situation of residential sites achieved by filling or draining salt-marshland. The market value of land, as used in this study, is defined within the context of an economic theory of rent. A land value comparison technique based upon multiple regression analysis was used to identify market price differentials attributable to waterfront amenities of marshlands as residential sites. Changes in this differential over time are taken as a measure of the time rate of increase in social benefits attributed to development uses of marshes. For purposes of comparison, estimates were made of the time rate of increase in social benefits attributable to preservation of wetlands. The ecological productivity of wetlands is essential to maintenance of marine species in the Chesapeake Bay. A major source of demand for marine species is the recreation sport fishing industry. Using estimates generated by other studies of parameters for the demand for sport fisheries, and time series observations on variables which influence demand for sport fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, estimates were made of the time rate of change in social benefits attributable to ecological productivity of undeveloped wetlands. Other sources of value for undisturbed wetlands were also noted. The findings were generally consistent with the view that institutional change in the case of the Virginia Wetlands Act was associated with an increase in the net social benefits associated with wetlands preservation, relative to benefits associated with development uses of wetlands.
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    The economic potential of establishing a poultry litter handling industry
    Napit, Krishna Bahadur (Virginia Tech, 1990)
    Rapid increases in poultry litter production in concentrated areas has caused litter to be overapplied to nearby cropland at higher rates than the agronomic requirements of crops. Surface and ground water pollution has resulted due to leaching and runoff of nutrients in the litter. One solution to this litter disposal problem is to move litter from areas of concentrated poultry production (litter-surplus areas) to adjoining areas that have the capacity to absorb more litter for fertilizer and animal feed (litter-deficit areas). A linear programming feed cost minimization model was used to estimate the value of litter as a feed for beef stockers and beef cows. The value of litter in beef and stocker rations were estimated by determining the value of alternative feeds replaced by litter. The value of litter for use as fertilizer was estimated by determining the value of commercial fertilizer replaced by litter in selected crop rotations. The services and costs required to make litter available for fertilizer and feed were estimated. A linear programming cost minimization model was used to estimate the costs of moving varying amounts of litter from surplus to deficit counties in Virginia for use as fertilizer. Results indicated that it is economically feasible to establish a poultry litter handling industry. Results indicated more profit potential in moving litter for fertilizer than for feed. The profit potential to a litter handling firm is affected by several factors including the price of commercial fertilizer, waste management requirements, and litter storage subsidies. In order to increase the use of poultry litter for use as fertilizer and feed, it is necessary to educate farmers and the public about the nutritive and economic value of litter as a fertilizer and animal feed.
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    Evaluation Framework for Water Quality Trading Programs in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
    Stephenson, Stephen Kurt; Parker, D.; Abdalla, C.; Shabman, Leonard A.; Shortle, J.; Jones, C.; Angstadt, B.; Rose, B.; King, D.; Hansen, D. (Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee, Chesapeake Bay Program, 2009)
    Water quality trading programs are being proposed and implemented across the US in a variety of forms and with differing objectives. The programs being proposed and implemented in the Chesapeake Bay region are no exception. Against this background the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee and the Mid-Atlantic Water Program requested a general framework to inform and guide the evaluation of the performance trading programs. This resulting report was developed by a workgroup comprised of ten individuals with extensive experience in the study, design, and evaluation of trading programs. While the impetus for this report was to improve evaluation of trading programs in the Chesapeake Bay region, the evaluation framework is broad enough to apply to trading programs in general.