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Adjustable emissions caps and the price of pollution

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  • Heijmans, Roweno J.R.K.

Abstract

Cap and trade schemes often use a policy of adjustable allowance supply with the intention to stabilize the market for allowances. We investigate whether these policies deliver with a focus on allowance prices. Motivated by existing policies, we study schemes that rely on either the allowance price (price measures) or the surplus of unused allowances (quantity measures) to adjust supply in a dynamic cap and trade market. Compared to emissions trading under a fixed cap, we find that price measures stabilize allowance prices. Quantity measures can be destabilizing. Though phrased in the context of changing interest rates, our results warn more generally against the belief that quantity measures are a suitable instrument to promote a stable cap and trade market.

Suggested Citation

  • Heijmans, Roweno J.R.K., 2023. "Adjustable emissions caps and the price of pollution," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 118(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeeman:v:118:y:2023:i:c:s0095069623000116
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jeem.2023.102793
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Emissions trading; Climate change; Interest rate; Market-based emissions regulation; Policy design;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E61 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Policy Objectives; Policy Designs and Consistency; Policy Coordination
    • H23 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies
    • Q58 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Government Policy

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