ABSTRACT
The paradox of resources development in the semi-arid to arid West surrounds the conflict between resources development and the environment. At issue is an arid mountainous region that is ecologically, economically, and culturally delicate. The region presents a pattern of contrasts, conflicts, and opportunities. On the one hand, the amenities of the region—clean air, expansive vistas, sunshine, mountain wilderness, cultural diversity—are a great attraction for people and industry. Maintaining air quality is likely to present more difficult problems than is water availability. Regional haze could endanger the landscapes in the West to which people assign large values. The air quality studies indicate that tight control of air pollution to safeguard visibility is an economically justified proposition in the area. In economic analysis, there are very few retrospective studies. Projections are made, plans are made, benefit-cost analyses are done, but rarely does anyone look back to see whether, in fact, anything like what was projected happened.
