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The energy paradox in seemingly competitive industries: The use of energy-efficient equipment on heavy-duty tractor trailers

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  • Fraas, Arthur G.
  • Lutter, Randall W.
  • Wietelman, Derek C.

Abstract

Several federal agencies claim the existence of an energy paradox in competitive markets in their benefit-cost analyses: firms fail to use energy-saving equipment that on net would reduce their costs. Such findings appear incompatible with neoclassical views that private firms in competitive markets will seek to minimize costs. EPA and NHTSA (2016) justify their findings in part by claiming that owners of trailers pulled by others underinvest in energy-saving equipment because the trailer owners incur the costs of such investments while tractor owners get the benefits. We collected roadside data over three summers and model use of energy-saving equipment on trailers. We find associations consistent with cost-reducing behavior in the use of energy efficiency devices, such as skirts and automatic tire inflation devices, but no evidence that different ownership of tractors and trailers is associated with reduced use of energy-saving equipment on trailers. We recommend that EPA and NHTSA assess the in-use cost-effectiveness of such equipment and rigorously review the empirical basis for claims of market failures in competitive markets before claiming significant private economic gains in rulemakings.

Suggested Citation

  • Fraas, Arthur G. & Lutter, Randall W. & Wietelman, Derek C., 2019. "The energy paradox in seemingly competitive industries: The use of energy-efficient equipment on heavy-duty tractor trailers," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 129(C), pages 467-480.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:129:y:2019:i:c:p:467-480
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2019.01.048
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Turner, Elizabeth H. & Thompson, Mark A., 2023. "Further evidence on the financial impact of environmental regulations on the trucking industry," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 133(C), pages 134-143.
    2. Manman Wang & Shuai Lian & Shi Yin & Hengmin Dong, 2020. "A Three-Player Game Model for Promoting the Diffusion of Green Technology in Manufacturing Enterprises from the Perspective of Supply and Demand," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 8(9), pages 1-26, September.

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