Distributional effects of uniform air pollution policy in the United States

Journal Article · Tue May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1979 · Q. J. Econ.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/1883195· OSTI ID:6239709

Gianessi, L P; Peskin, H M; Wolff, E

Pressures for uniformly applied emission standards come from local political leaders who fear that industry will be lost to areas with a more-efficient policy of adjusting environmental controls to suit local conditions and preferences; but analysis of the cost distribution shows that the results are neither uniform nor economically efficient. Standardization is found to create an income redistribution, however, which is consistent with current social policies of shifting net benefits to low-income groups. A cost-benefit analysis of the impact of uniform regulation by income groups reveals the bias toward minority residents of polluted urban areas. The overall effect of the Clean Air Act is that polluters, but not the general public, are treated uniformly. 13 references.

• Research Organization: Resources for the Future, Inc., Washington, DC
• OSTI ID: 6239709
• Journal Information: Q. J. Econ.; (United States), Journal Name: Q. J. Econ.; (United States) Vol. 93:2; ISSN QJECA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290200 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics & Sociology
290300* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
500600 -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Regulations-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION
CLEAN AIR ACT
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INCOME DISTRIBUTION
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
LAWS
POLITICAL ASPECTS
POLLUTION
POLLUTION LAWS
REGULATIONS
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS