UMBC's Social Sciences Forum presents Sheila Olmstead, Professor of Public Affairs, LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin, who will speak on “The Economic Costs of Water Pollution.”

Americans consistently list water quality among their most significant environmental concerns. However, analysis of ambient water quality regulations in the US suggests that such regulations have unfavorable benefit-cost ratios, particularly compared to those for regulations that target air quality and drinking water quality. This lecture will review what we know from existing economic research about the benefits of ambient water pollution control, and conversely, the costs of water pollution.

Admission is free. A reception will follow the talk.