The Ever-Changing West
P.J. HillLife in the American West requires constant adaption to new realities.
The Magazine of Free Market Environmentalism
This special issue of PERC Reports, supported by the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, explores the many challenges and opportunities facing the ever-changing West. Whether it’s resolving disputes over the use of natural resources, meeting growing demands for outdoor recreation, or reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfires, the ever-changing West requires us to adapt. The challenge is to do so in ways that respect property rights, encourage voluntary exchange, and promote cooperation to conserve the region’s precious resources.
Life in the American West requires constant adaption to new realities.
Because it’s often against the rules.
Wildfires engulf the West year after year. Private partners have shown they’re willing to fund projects that reduce fire risks—as long as regulation and litigation don’t snuff them out.
Recent legislation will help tackle long-overdue maintenance on public lands. It also reveals underlying issues that demand creative solutions.
The city of San Francisco has benefited enormously from an outdated lease with Yosemite National Park over the use of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. It’s time to update the dam agreement.
This issue of PERC Reports explores the challenges and opportunities of adapting to the ever-changing West.
And could be an answer for a new West and a new administration.
Examples of free market environmentalism in action.
Conservation pursued through markets and property rights is protected from shifting political winds.