Notes on a Progressive National Water Policy

Abstract:     
This paper examines the challenges confronting the nation in managing and using water in an increasingly destabilized climate, and argues that reforming the institutional and regulatory systems governing water is essential to meet these challenges. Vigorous governmental action will be needed, and this paper focuses mostly on actions the national government can take, using carrots and sticks, to promote more progressive management at the state and local level. The paper focuses almost entirely on water allocation and management, and not on water quality.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 29

Keywords: water, national water policy, water allocation, water rights

JEL Classification: K32, Q25, Q28

Accepted Paper Series