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Posted: 1/31/02

A&M International Scholar's Work Examines Local Problem, National Issue

 

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A member of Texas A&M International University's faculty is investigating an issue of importance not only to the Laredo region, but to South Texas and beyond. That issue is as far away as a Canadian stream and as near as the faucet in your kitchen sink...it's water.

Dr. David W. Yoskowitz, assistant professor of economics at A&M International, and Peter J. Longo from the University of Nebraska have edited and recently published their book entitled Water on the Great Plains: Issues and Policies.

The book, published by Texas Tech University Press, examines the history of water rights in the Great Plains, which stretch from Texas to Alberta, Canada. The book is a collection of 10 essays that examine the cultural, economic, legal, political and environmental implications of water policy as it applies to the Great Plains and beyond.

Dr. Yoskowitz is certain this issue will continue to be at the forefront of debate for many years.

"Water is the next big business in Texas and the West, for good or bad. Water is becoming so valuable that individuals are beginning to ranch it. T. Boone Pickens, famed Texas entrepreneur, has proposed to extract water on his land in the Panhandle of Texas and sell it to the thirsty cities of San Antonio and El Paso, via a pipeline," explained Yoskowitz.

The book's essays tell an impressive history of successful and unsuccessful water policies, and how dedicated people, businesses, and communities might work together to protect their future.

Yoskowitz believes this is a topic of interest to many local and regional residents.

"Look at our own region. Not a week goes by when the issue of future water supplies for Laredo and Webb county is not on the agenda of a committee at the city or county level. San Antonio, along with other major cities in Texas, are constantly searching for water in order to keep and attract business as well as residents," he explained.

Yoskowitz says water is today's oil and tomorrow's resource of choice. Its importance to business, cultural, economic, legal, political and environmental futures is enormous.

The 200-page book is available from Texas Tech University Press and is $35.00. Additional details, including availability, can be secured by visiting the Press' web site at www.ttup.ttu.edu, or calling the publisher at 800.832.4042.

For more information, please contact Dr. Yoskowitz at 326.2509, visit offices in Anthony J. and Georgia A Pellegrino Hall, room 302 or email yosko@tamiu.edu

University office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.


Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu