The Economic Benefits of Preserving Visibility in the National Parklands of the Southwest

Abstract

A household survey to determine public support for preserving good visibility in Southwestern parks gave power plant air pollution control an estimated $6.2 billion per year, which is twice the current cost of sulfur dioxide controls. An examination of the institutional basis for assigning a cost-benefit study to scenic beauty and for valuing public goods in general found that existence and preservation value rate much higher than user and tourist benefits. The same results applied outside of the Grand Canyon region. It is important, however, to recognize that national public support for preserving visibility at the Grand Canyon may not extend to all scenic areas. 8 tables. (DCK)