Regional conflict and national policy / edited by Kent A. Price.

Originally published in 1982 by Resources for the Future.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Regional Conflict and National Policy is a careful examination of the history of regional conflict in the areas of energy and natural resource development and its effect on national policy in these areas. Regional Conflict and National Policy is the collection of the work of multiple authors each of whom contributes a closely focused chapter on a component of the topic at hand. It will be of interest to those who seek an understanding of the regional component of national policy in the areas of energy and natural resource development. The text is forwarded by Senator Paul E. Tsongas. The first chapter serves as an overview by the editor and lays the foundation for the remainder of the book. He begins with a consideration of the notion of region, regional conflict and the historical perspective on same. Price discusses energy rich regions and energy poor regions, followed by an examination of typical cases involving natural resources. He briefly considers the legal structure of interstate resource conflicts and the relationship between externality, conflict and decision. Nathan Rosenberg addresses, in depth, the history and perspective of regional conflict. He presents the frontier thesis, followed by a consideration of the changing times, the concept of environmental equity, and the threat of equity to positive change. Finally, he discusses regional specialization and convergence. Chapter three focuses on energy 'haves and have nots'. It begins with an examination of Eastern and Western coal, and coal slurry pipelines. The author considers severance and other taxes. He considers population movements, and shifts in per capita income, and the differential impact on consumers of the rising cost of energy. Chapter four looks at typical cases involving natural resources. The author, Allen V. Kneese, discusses: salinity in the Colorado River, the Montana coal tax, and the waste isolation pilot plant controversy. Chapter five addresses the legal structure of interstate resource conflicts by first examining the provisions made for trade, et cetera in the U.S. Constitution. The author continues in his examination to discuss regulation and taxation of natural resources, and offers an explanation of judicial deference in these matters. Finally, he discusses Congressional powers and what he terms 'dialectical federalism'. Chapter six is a discussion by Clifford S. Russel of externality, conflict, and decision. The discussion begins with an examination of three kinds of externalities: pecuniary, real and political. Russell offers new approaches for addressing these externalities. Gilbert F. White provides an epilogue which asks the question, What are regional conflicts? He then reviews the record of collective decision-making and considers national policy prospects. Regional Conflict and National Policy is a nicely focused consideration of the topic at hand and is supported by tables and figures which the reader will find useful.