Natural Resource Accounting Systems and Environmental Policy Modeling

Richard Cabe, Stanley R. Johnson
July 1990  [90-WP 65]

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Suggested citation:

Cabe, R. and S.R. Johnson. 1990. "Natural Resource Accounting Systems and Environmental Policy Modeling." Working paper 90-WP 65. Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, Iowa State University.


Abstract

Natural Resource Accounting (RCA) combines national income and product accounting concepts with analysis of natural resource and environmental issues. This paper considers this approach for the RCA Appraisal required by the Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act. Recent natural resource accounting literature is examined in light of requirements of the RCA Appraisal.

The paper provides a critique of the economic content of the Second RCA Appraisal and develops a natural resource accounting framework for considering these same effects. Finally, the paper summarizes the benefits which might result from adopting a more explicit Natural Resource Accounting framework for the next RCA Appraisal.