TECHNOLOGICAL ADAPTATION TO RESOURCE SCARCITY IN THE U.S. LUMBER INDUSTRY

Abstract

This paper provides an econometric investigation of the role of a renewable natural resource, sawlogs, in the production of lumber over the period 1950-1974. The economic scarcity of sawlogs is confirmed. Within a given production technology, the potential for substitution among capital, labor and sawlog inputs is greatly restricted but not impossible. Technological change has been strongly labor-saving but has had a negligible effect on wood requirements. Consequently, the real price of lumber has risen, stimulating development of substitute wood products. Continued decline of the industry is anticipated.Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,