Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities

White House tells agencies to measure the value of nature

Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Aerial view of Tongass National Forest, Alaska. Velkiira, CC BY-SA 2.0

New guidance from the White House aims to put an economic value on nature—specifically, the benefits that ecosystems deliver for people.

In a joint blog post, the heads of the Office of Management and Budget and Office of Science and Technology Policy explain that these benefits, which the White House calls "ecosystem services," are often sidelined in the benefit-cost analyses that government agencies use to make sure policies are having a positive impact on Americans.

For example, wetlands protect against property damage from flooding. Trees, while having value as an agricultural product, provide shade, climate benefits, and wildlife habitat when left intact. New draft guidance published today would instruct agencies across the federal government to ensure that the full value of ecosystems are captured during the decision-making process.

The importance of measuring the economic value of nature was explained earlier this year in a New York Times video op-ed featuring British economics professsor Sir Partha Dasgupta and actor Alexander Skarsgård.

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Quote of the day

”Failing to fully account for nature’s bounty has led to under-valuing and erosion of our nation’s natural assets. When we account for our environment, we are able to harness opportunities to confront climate change, promote prosperous and resilient communities, and invest in strong infrastructure. We must measure what we value, not just value what is simple to measure.”

OIRA Administrator Richard L. Revesz and OSTP Director Arati Prabhakar, whitehouse.gov

Picture This

@mypubliclands

The Cosumnes is the last free-flowing river from the Sierra Nevada Mountains into California’s Great Central Valley, where it joins with the Mokelumne. Here, the rivers form a matrix of wetlands, riparian forest, and natural floodplains, with upland oak woodlands, savannas and vernal pools. These lands form critical habitats for migrating and wintering birds, essential waterways for native fish, and significant social and economic benefits for Valley communities.

In partnership with 11 organizations, we manage crucial acreage in the Cosumnes River Preserve, home to the state’s largest remaining riparian oak forest. Through #RestorationLandscapes and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we will improve hydrologic function and landscape connectivity, control invasive species, and reduce hazardous fuels, ensuring this remarkable preserve is protected for future generations.

Alt Text: Two sandhill cranes stand in grassy vegetation, facing opposite directions.

📷 Bob Wick. Cosumnes River Preserve, Bureau of Land Management - California.

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