The cost-effectiveness of methanol for reducing motor vehicle emissions and urban ozone

Journal Article · · Journal of Policy Analysis and Management; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3325068· OSTI ID:6637537

Krupnick, A J; Walls, M A ^[1]

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1. Resources for the Future, Washington, DC (United States)

This article analyzes the costs and emissions characteristics of methanol vehicles. The cost-effectiveness of methanol - the cost per ton of reactive hydrocarbon emissions reduced - is calculated and compared to the cost-effectiveness of other hydrocarbon reduction strategies. Methanol is found to cost from $33,000 to nearly $60,000 per ton, while several other options are available for under $10,000 per ton. The cost per part-per-million reduction in peak ambient ozone levels is also computed for two cities, Houston and Philadelphia. Despite the greater improvement in ozone in Philadelphia than Houston, methanol is found to be more cost-effective in Houston. This result occurs because Houston's distribution and marketing costs are lower than Philadelphia's. The costs in both cities, however, are far higher than estimates of the benefits from acute health improvements. Finally, the reduction in ozone exposure in Los Angeles is estimated and the costs of the reduction compared with an estimate of acute health benefits. Again, the benefits fall far short of the costs. 51 refs., 5 tabs.

• OSTI ID: 6637537
• Journal Information: Journal of Policy Analysis and Management; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of Policy Analysis and Management; (United States) Vol. 11:3; ISSN JPAMD7; ISSN 0276-8739
• 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
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
ALCOHOLS
CONTROL
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ECONOMICS
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
METHANOL
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OZONE
POLLUTION
POLLUTION CONTROL
VEHICLES