A cost-effectiveness analysis of alternative regulatory approaches under the Endangered Species Act of 1973

The rate of extinction of plant and animal species has accelerated at an alarming rate throughout the 20th century. This depletion has resulted in greater legislative control over wildlife within the United States, and the eventual passage, in 1973, of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The ESA establishes regulations designed to protect species which are threatened with extinction. The ESA has evolved out of past legal statutes and jurisprudence concerning the management and protection of wildlife, but the ESA has created controversy since inception. The latest criticisms concern its lack of success in meeting stated policy goals of preserving species richness and recovering listed species. As a result, a new movement has developed which seeks to change the traditional species-by-species approach of the ESA to an approach which concentrates on entire ecosystems. Ecosystem approach proponents sight various advantages, one of which is cost-effectiveness. This thesis analyzes the development of wildlife protection within the United States, and the Endangered Species Act in particular. The purpose of this analysis is to examine both the legislative powers granted for wildlife protection, and the feasibility of the ESA to encompass ecosystem protection. Modifications to the ESA are proposed. The Clinch River Valley, in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee, is used as a case study for a cost-effectiveness analysis of an ecosystem approach and species-by-species approach. Costs generated through Fish and Wildlife Service recovery plans are used in conjunction with generated ecosystem plan recovery costs. The results of the cost-effectiveness analysis show that an ecosystem approach is more cost-effective in meeting the recovery goals within the 0inch River Valley. The ESA can be modified to incorporate an ecosystem approach. Such modification can protect species richness and allow for a priority ranking system for protection.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Agricultural and Applied Economics

Department dc:contributor.department

Agricultural and Applied Economics

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Year dc:date.issued

1993

Author dc:creator

• Taylor, Michael A.

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10919/110180

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/110180