Barry D. Solomon

Nuclear waste repository siting: An alternative approach

Abstract Under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, the US Department of Energy has initiated a highly centralized siting process for two high-level nuclear waste repositories. Concomitantly, the Low Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act of 1980 requires states to create regional compacts for low-level nuclear waste disposal. This paper evaluates these and other federal nuclear waste facility siting proposals from constitutional choice and social equity perspectives. A satisficing site selection model is proposed which could resolve the likely geopolitical impasses in US federal nuclear waste management.

A survey and critique of multiobjective power plant siting decision rules

Abstract This paper reviews the use of multiobjective decision rules for solving power plant siting problems. After a discussion of exclusionary site screening methods for bounding the decision space, classes of multiobjective and goal programming desicion rules are discussedin the context of final site selection. Advances and limitations of these methods are highlighted. Although multiobjective decision rules have seen numerous applications to power plant siting in the literature, few electric utility companies have used these methods in practice. A review of the use of multiobjective methods in actual power plant siting decisions is also presented, and reasons for the paucity of real-world applications are suggested.

Farmland protection: a case of quality not quantity

This paper aims to critically re-examine the rationale for farmland preservation programmes. The author begins with a review of the National Agricultural Lands Study of the USA. He also discusses a supporting study briefly and proceeds to review a critique of the National Agricultural Lands Study by an urban economist, with the offer of a response from a soil quality perspective. The paper continues with the often overlooked, but related aspects of the farmlands preservation issue land productivity and land tenure, and concludes with the author’s thoughts on the proper role of planners in farmland preservation and the policy implications of this analysis.

Optimal subsidies to new energy sources

Abstract This paper broadens previous discussion on the conditions for subsidizing new energy sources. Several arguments for and against subsidizing new energy sources, such as solar energy and synthetic fuels, are reviewed and critiqued. Emphasis is given to vintage subsidies to conventional energy sources, net energy analysis, and a variety of production externalities. A theorem for determining optimal subsidies to new energy sources is developed, based on a general theorem proposed by Baumol and Bradford [2]. Finally, two equity issues are also considered.

Delineating coal market regions

This study addresses the delineation of US coal market regions and their evolution since the 1973 Arab oil embargo. Dichotomizing into compliance (low sulfur) and high sulfur coal deliveries, market regions are generated for 1973, 1977, and 1983. Focus is restricted to steam coal shipments to electric utilities, which currently account for over 80% of the total domestic market. A two-stage method is used. First, cluster analyses are performed on the origin-destination shipments data to generate baseline regions. This is followed by multiple regression analyses on CIF delivered price data for 1983. Sensitivity analysis on the configuration of the regions is also conducted, and some thoughts on the behavior of coal markets conclude the paper. 37 references, 6 figures, 2 tables.

A Coal Industry Distribution Planning Model under Environmental Constraints

A multiperiod mixed integer linear programming model is proposed as a guide to the expansion of the production and interregional distribution of United States coal. A generalized network approach is utilized to incorporate public and private interest group perspectives into the planning framework. The model should serve as an indicator of the possible performance of the industry, a guide to the impact of legislation, and as an outline for a program for optimal location and timing of mines and conversion and transportation facilities.

Constraints on Regional Coal Production in the U.S.: A Time Series Analysis

This chapter investigates the impact of the 1970 Clean Air Act, the 1977 Amendments to the Act and the UMW strikes of 1977–1978 and 1981 as regional constraints on coal production. ARIMA time series analysis and ordinary least squares regression analysis are used. The results indicate that the Act had a negative effect on Midwestern coal and a positive effect on Western coal. Results with respect to the other events are less conclusive.

Synfuel development impacts— econometric modelling and policy analysis☆

Abstract The prospects for rapid near-term development of a synfuel industry in the USA have decreased, due to depressed world oil prices, synfuel project cost overruns, and the lukewarm support of the Reagan administration. Nonetheless, socioeconomic and environmental impact analysis studies can provide valuable information for determining the regional welfare effects of proposed projects. The author discusses the results of a regional econometric analysis of the synfuel projects planned for Western Kentucky, which focuses on environmental impacts, and reveals the inevitable trade-offs that would accompany synfuel development. Some policy issues are briefly reviewed, especially that of efficient energy pricing.