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Green taxes: Productivity effects of tax-based environmental regulations on heavily polluting firms

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  • Cao, Yuqiang
  • Lin, Shaoyan
  • Li, Mangmang
  • Shan, Yaowen
  • Wang, Peipei

Abstract

Environmental regulations, particularly tax-based measures, significantly impact firm productivity and corporate behavior. This study uses China's Environmental Protection Tax (EPT) law as a quasi-natural experiment to explore whether and how such tax-based environmental regulations influence the productivity of heavily polluting firms. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we find that the EPT law has positively impacted firm productivity by fostering higher research and development investments and encouraging the substitution of labor with capital. The productivity-enhancing effect is more pronounced for state-owned enterprises, large firms, firms with fewer financial constraints, firms receiving more government subsidies, and firms operating in less competitive sectors. These findings support the Porter hypothesis, suggesting that well-designed environmental regulations can stimulate innovation and improve competitiveness, ultimately enhancing productivity. This study underscores the importance of tax-based environmental regulations in promoting productivity and economic growth, providing valuable insights for policymakers aiming to balance environmental protection with economic development.

Suggested Citation

  • Cao, Yuqiang & Lin, Shaoyan & Li, Mangmang & Shan, Yaowen & Wang, Peipei, 2024. "Green taxes: Productivity effects of tax-based environmental regulations on heavily polluting firms," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 140(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecmode:v:140:y:2024:i:c:s0264999324001913
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econmod.2024.106834
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    Keywords

    Tax-based environmental regulation; Firm productivity; Heavily polluting firm; China;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G39 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Other
    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting
    • D22 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Empirical Analysis

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