LAND USE PLANNING AND POLICY IN THE SOUTH

Land Economics/Use,

Soil Conservation Provisions of the 1985 Farm Bill

The 1985 Farm Bill which was signed into law on December 23, 1985, contains 3 provisions relating to land use which will have a large impact on Kentucky farmers. The purpose of these provisions is to reduce cropland acreage on highly erodible lands and on wetlands. A description of them follows

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATORY REFORM AND THE UNHOLY TRINITY: UNFUNDED MANDATES, RISK ASSESSMENT, AND PROPERTY RIGHTS

Major regulatory reform issues which involve environmental policy include issues of unfunded mandates, risk assessment, and property rights. Each of these proposed reforms involves major changes in environmental policies with impacts on different groups. Property rights is the core issue in Congress and state legislatures, with both regulatory takings and just compensation being the major parameters. Economists can participate effectively in this policy debate with successful research and education programs addressing the divisive issues