Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Three Essays In Environmental Economics, Ryan Swartzentruber

Doctoral Dissertations

The first chapter of this dissertation analyzes how policy uncertainty affects electric utility investment rates. Policy can either positively or negatively impact firm profits, as seen in the difference between subsidies and taxes. Using a real option theoretical model, I show how uncertainty over these two types of policies can have positive or negative impacts on investment rates. Empirical results using investment data for electric utilities provide evidence in support of differential effects of uncertainty. I find a positive effect of policy uncertainty on electric utility investment rates using my preferred measure of policy uncertainty. This suggests that policies applicable …

The Role Of Sustainability In Park And Recreation Administrators’ Policy Decisions, Stephen Smith

Doctoral Dissertations

This study assessed the extent to which economic, environmental, and social sustainability concerns factor into park and recreation administrators’ decisions regarding outdoor recreation and facilities. Links to an anonymous, online survey were emailed to state and local park and recreation administrators within the state of Tennessee. The study’s useable response rate was 22% (122/561).

An adjusted Value Belief Norm (VBN) theory was used as the framework, with variables including administrators’ values, beliefs, pro-environmental behavior implementation, perceived constraints, and demographics. Analysis consisted of mediated regression, multiple regression, path analysis, and a qualitative evaluation of submitted constraints. Results supported the general VBN …

Technical Bulletins: Tennessee Environmental Legislation Of 1991: Solid Waste Management And Environmental Fees, Mtas

MTAS Publications: Technical Bulletins

In 1991, the Tennessee General Assembly passed two major pieces of environmental legislation. The acts paved the way for improved solid waste management and more stable funding for the regulation of solid waste, water, and wastewater operations. This Technical Bulletin is designed to walk readers through each act individually.

Technical Bulletins: New State Law Gives Teeth To Local Governments In Enforcing Sewage Pretreatment Programs, Sharon Rollins

MTAS Publications: Technical Bulletins

The Pretreatment Enforcement Act of 1987 (Public Chapter No. 111) amended Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 69, Chapter 3, Part 1 to expand the enforcement powers of owners of publicly owned sewage treatment facilities which are required to adopt and enforce pretreatment programs for sewage.