Jerald J. Fletcher

The travel cost model of recreation demand: Theoretical and empirical issues

Abstract This article provides an overview of selected theoretical and empirical issues in the economics literature on the travel cost model of recreation demand. Behavioral underpinnings of the travel cost model are examined. Problems are identified which an investigator using such a model must resolve, and some solutions are discussed. Attention is focused on those problems which remain controversial and are in need of further research. Research results from related disciplines that have promise for improving the application of travel cost models of recreation demand are also discussed.

Spatial analysis of China province-level CO2 emission intensity

This study offers a unique contribution to the literature by investigating the influential factors of energyrelated, carbon dioxide emission intensity among a panel of 30 provinces in China covering the period 1991–2010. We use novel spatial panel data models to analyze the drivers of energy-related emission intensity, which we posit are characterized by spatial dependence. Our results suggest (1) emission intensities are negatively affected by per-capita, province-level GDP and population density; (2) emission intensities are positively affected by the structure of energy consumption and the transportation sector; and, (3) energy prices have no effect on emission intensities.

Incorporating Stochastic Variables in Crop Response Models: Implications for Fertilization Decisions

Most crop-decision models focus on output variation in response to nonstochastic inputs. Little attention has been given to the effects of stochastic factors on the input-use decision. A crop-decision model is developed to examine the impact of soil moisture on the nitrogen fertilization decision. The model is applied to 15 different soil and weather conditions for corn production in Indiana. Based on estimated response functions, the profit maximizing nitrogen application rate varies from 156 to 185 pounds of actual nitrogen (N) per acre. We evaluate the expected economic losses arising from applying to one set of conditions a rate deemed optimal for another.

Watershed analysis with GIS: The watershed characterization and modeling system software application

The watershed characterization and modeling system (WCMS) was developed to support decision making and the management of water resources at a statewide level in West Virginia. Specific hydrological analysis functions were combined within a customized GIS interface to provide decision support capabilities to both technical and non-technical users. Components of the current system include: an overland flow path model that indicates optimum water quality sampling locations, flow estimation for all streams in an identified area, an instream water quality and loading model for pollutant levels, and a ranking model to prioritize treatment alternatives based on user defined criteria and preferences. The primary goals of this system are to provide consistent technical information related to natural watershed processes and to predict the impacts of alternative management scenarios for decision makers. WCMS is currently used by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) to guide policy development and management decisions that address watershed and water quality issues throughout the state.

Estimating regional benefits of reducing targeted pollutants: an application to agricultural effects on water quality and the value of recreational fishing

The general focus of this paper is the regional estimation of marginal benefits of targeted water pollution abatement to instream uses. Benefit estimates are derived from actual consumer choices of recreational fishing activities and the implied expenditures for various levels of water quality. The methodology is applied to measuring the benefits accruing to recreational anglers in Indiana from the abatement of pollutants that are by-products of agricultural crop production.

Data Needs to Assess Environmental Quality Issues Related to Agriculture and Rural Areas

The assessment of environmental quality problems and the design and economic evaluation of alternative federal, state, and local policy strategies to address environmental issues require complex analyses which must address the underlying physical, biological, social, and economic processes. The study of environmental problems is thus inherently multidisciplinary and should involve the physical, biological, and social sciences. Unfortunately, the multidisciplinary nature of environmental issues has caused problems with the quality and general availability of the data necessary for appropriate analyses. While data have been collected in many areas to address discipline-specific problems, there has been little regard for the eventual need to coordinate analyses across disciplinary lines. As Portney points out, this lack of coordination in data collection is reflected in the often Bal-

Modeling the impact of coal-to-liquids technologies on China's energy markets

Purpose - The purpose of the study is to evaluate the impact of Chinas current coal-to-liquids (CTL) activities on its coal and oil markets from 2005 to 2025. Design/methodology/approach - A partial equilibrium multi-equation model of Chinas oil and coal markets is developed based on data obtained from the existing literature. The impact of CTL technologies on Chinas oil and coal markets is evaluated using computer simulations by solving the model under scenarios with and without CTL production. Findings - The simulation results show that on average, the planned CTL activities will decrease crude oil prices by 5.73 percent and Chinas oil imports by 6.09 percent and increase Chinas domestic oil supply by 9.26 percent over the 20 year period. Also, Chinas demand for oil will increase by 0.35 percent on average, suggesting that CTL production will slightly stimulate Chinas demand for oil because of the drop in oil prices. Chinas demand for coal will also increase by 1.02 percent because of the additional demand for coal created by CTL production. Surprisingly, both coal prices and Chinas coal supply will decline by 0.51 percent while the demand for coal and coal supply of the rest of the world will be reduced by 1.63 percent and 0.28 percent, respectively. Originality/value - The paper is the first study on the implication of CTL conversion from an economists point of view. It applies an economic model to quantify the impacts of such technology on overall energy prices and supplies.

A METHODOLOGY FOR EVALUATING THE COSTS OF SELECTIVE HANDLING OF OVERBURDEN MATERIALS

Selective handling of overburden materials involves implementing mining techniques that will reduce the probability of creating acid mine drainage (AMD). These include separately handling toxic materials and placing them in locations in the backfill to limit their exposure to air and water, or blending alkalineand acid-producing materials to create a neutral rock mass. This paper uses three selective handling situations and estimates the additional costs of selective handling above those which would normally be incurred during mining. Scenario 1 depicts a 2-m (6-ft) toxic shale layer (acid-producing) on top of the coal that must be specially handled and placed within non-toxic layers in the backfill. Scenario 2 has a 2-m toxic shale layer over the coal and also a 2-m layer of alkaline material, and these two layers are blended during backfilling. Scenario 3 details specially handling a 0.4-m (1.4-ft) toxic layer located 5 m (15 ft) up from the coal bed which requires blasting in two stages. Based on these scenarios and the overburden layers separately handled, additional costs for loading and hauling the material ranged from

Cultivated land changes and driving force analysis by satellite remote sensing in the Yellow River Delta of China

663 per 46 by 43 m (150 x 142 ft) cut (orabout

The economic value of stream restoration

3,348 perhaor