Many contemporary environmental problems share a strong 
economic component:  environmental damage as a result of the 
production and consumption of goods and services.  The purpose 
of this course is to apply economic analysis to the study of 
environmental problems and policies.  In the process, students 
will become familiar with the basic structure of environmental 
policy and regulation in the U.S.  Individual and group 
projects will help students develop research and analytical 
skills relevant to environmental problems.  Graduate students 
enrolled in the course will obtain additional training and 
instruction in advanced theory and economic analysis of 
environmental regulations and policies through separately 
assigned readings, homework sets and a semester research 
project.

The course also offers students basic scientific principles of 
economics that govern natural systems.  Using resource issues 
and economics, the course addresses the consequences of human 
activity on local, regional, and global natural systems.

1.  Tools of analysis
2.  Efficiency and markets
3.  Benefits and cost
4.  Discounting
5.  Policy evaluation
6.  History
7.  Penalties
8.  Water
9.  Air pollution
10. Hazardous wastes