Natural Resources Policy course – PUBPOL 599 for grad students; PUBPOL 499 for undergrads
This course offers a graduate-level or upper-level undergraduate overview of natural resources policy in the United States. Natural resources policy raises significant societal dilemmas in terms of how to efficiently, equitably, and/or sustainably manage resource use and preservation. In this class, we will survey natural resources policy regimes including those for fisheries, wildlife, public lands, freshwater, mining, and energy development. We will evaluate shortcomings of current regimes, especially how they are challenged by modern pressures including climate change, and how those regimes might be adapted or improved. During the course, emphasis will be placed on analyzing and identifying the distinct roles of government agencies, legislative bodies, and judicial courts in shaping natural resources policy and management. Given the prominent role that government agencies play in natural resources policy and management, we will emphasize understanding the role of administrative agencies, how they shape policy and law, and how their ability to shape policy and law relates to legislatures and courts. We will also emphasize the key role of Native American Tribes in U.S. natural resources policy. Another recurring topic will be the function and structure of market-based policy instruments (e.g., individual transferable quota, habitat banking, water quality trading) across varying natural resources contexts. Because there is no single body of natural resources policy and law, we will survey a variety of natural resources regimes with the goal of drawing coherent lessons across these diverse regimes. The course is intended for students with varying backgrounds, including those in public policy, planning, marine affairs, environmental sciences, resource management, engineering, or related programs.
More Information
