Journal of Forest Economics > Vol 12 > Issue 2

The national environmental policy act's influence on USDA forest service decision-making, 1974–1996

Brooks A. Kaiser, bkaiser@gettysburg.edu
 
Suggested Citation
Brooks A. Kaiser (2006), "The national environmental policy act's influence on USDA forest service decision-making, 1974–1996", Journal of Forest Economics: Vol. 12: No. 2, pp 109-130. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jfe.2006.03.002

Publication Date: 28 Jun 2006
© 0 2006 Brooks A. Kaiser
 
Subjects
 
Keywords
JEL Codes:Q230
Environmental impact statementsNational forest timber salesRenewable resources and conservation: ForestryRenewable resources and conservation: Government policyEnvironmental management: Forestry
 

Share

Download article
In this article:
Introduction 
Background and methods 
Results 
Conclusions 

Abstract

This paper uses new data from Forest Service Environmental Impact Statements and Environmental Assessments to examine Forest Service preferences and choices shaped by NEPA-required interaction with the public. This paper presents the first empirical inquiry using actual harvest plans. The agency and public are players in a game with rules determined by NEPA. Impacts on Forest Service production are estimated using a nested multinomial logit model. Findings indicate that NEPA has little short run impact on the provision of environmental amenities, as the agency control of the process results in systematic decisions that reflect rather than change agency preferences.

DOI:10.1016/j.jfe.2006.03.002