Economics ETDs

Publication Date

7-12-1977

Abstract

In considering the economic future of the American Southwest, important questions to be addressed are the expected availability of water and the price at which that available water will be provided to the ultimate consumers.

Using several sources, Chapter 1 illustrates that the Southwest in general, and New Mexico specifically will face what is called an "absolute scarcity" of water before the turn of the century. There are two alternatives with which to resolve this "absolute scarcity:'' (i) using physical means to make more water available to the region under stress, or (ii) setting up a mechanism to resolve scarcity internally taking into consideration important objectives such as efficiency and/or equity. The first alternative has not been researched in depth, but the conclusion drawn is that such an alternative would be either extremely difficult to implement or would alleviate water scarcity only temporarily. The second alternative, the market mechanism, has been shown to be a practical solution, and although somewhat rigid, consistent with the economist's notion of efficiency.

Degree Name

Economics

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Department of Economics

First Committee Member (Chair)

Franklin Lee Brown, Jr.

Second Committee Member

Allen V. Kneese

Third Committee Member

Charles T. DuMars

Fourth Committee Member

Ronald G. Cummings

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

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