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The Impact of Inspections on Plant-Level Air Emissions

Author

Listed:
  • Hanna Rema Nadeem

    (Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University)

  • Oliva Paulina

    (University of California at Santa Barbara)

Abstract

Each year, the United States conducts approximately 20,000 inspections of manufacturing plants under the Clean Air Act. This paper compiles a panel dataset on plant-level inspections, fines, and emissions to understand whether these inspections actually reduce air emissions. We find plants reduce air emissions by fifteen percent, on average, following an inspection under the Clean Air Act. Plants that belong to industries that typically have low abatement costs respond more strongly to an inspection than those who belong to industries with high abatement costs.

Suggested Citation

  • Hanna Rema Nadeem & Oliva Paulina, 2010. "The Impact of Inspections on Plant-Level Air Emissions," The B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy, De Gruyter, vol. 10(1), pages 1-33, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:bejeap:v:10:y:2010:i:1:n:19
    DOI: 10.2202/1935-1682.1971
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

    environmental economics; EPA inspections;

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