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Water resources planning in a federation of states: Equity versus efficiency

Author
Howe C.
Journal/Series
Natural Resources Journal | Vol. 36(1); 29- 36; 7 p.
Date
1996
Source
IUCN (ID: ANA-058566)
Publisher | Place of publication
University of New Mexico School of Law | Albuquerque, NM, USA
Language
English
Country/Territory
United States of America
Subject
Water
Keyword
Freshwater resources management Local government
Abstract

Equity and efficiency are inextricably tied together since the prices used in efficiency analyses depend on the distribution of wealth. Beyond that, many equity considerations have efficiency implications when evaluated in the appropriate geographical and temporal context. In some situations, there are genuine efficiency-equity tradeoffs, but in many situations building equity into policy or projet design also will enhance efficiency. Appropriate governing institutions that more closely correspond with the resource systems being governed help assure appropriate consideration of both efficiency and equity.