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Comparing the effectiveness of market-based and choice-based environmental policy

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  • Walter, Jason M.

Abstract

This paper examines the welfare effects of market-based (permits, taxes) and choice-based (voluntary emission certifications, eco-labels) environmental policy. My analysis shows that choice-based eco-labels can be a welfare-improving policy. However, these welfare gains occur through “green” consumer surplus as opposed to (social benefiting) emission reductions while emission taxes and permits increase welfare by causing “dirtier” or less efficient firms to leave the market. Although greater environmental conscientiousness makes eco-labeling an effective tool to improve overall welfare, eco-labels are not as effective at reducing environmental damage relative to traditional market-based emission taxes or permits. Using research on consumer preferences and previously implemented environmental policies, the effectiveness of traditional emission taxes and eco-labeling programs are estimated. The results suggest that consumers participation in the eco-labeled product market benefits producers, but overall, eco-labeling programs are an inefficient policy tool relative to traditional market-based emission taxes or permits.

Suggested Citation

  • Walter, Jason M., 2020. "Comparing the effectiveness of market-based and choice-based environmental policy," Journal of Policy Modeling, Elsevier, vol. 42(1), pages 173-191.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jpolmo:v:42:y:2020:i:1:p:173-191
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jpolmod.2019.07.006
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Pei Wang & Cong Dong & Nan Chen & Ming Qi & Shucheng Yang & Amuji Bridget Nnenna & Wenxin Li, 2021. "Environmental Regulation, Government Subsidies, and Green Technology Innovation—A Provincial Panel Data Analysis from China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-19, November.
    5. Walter, Jason M. & Chang, Yang-Ming, 2020. "Environmental policies and political feasibility: Eco-labels versus emission taxes," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 194-206.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Emission taxes; Environmental policy; Eco-labeling;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D41 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Perfect Competition
    • D62 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Externalities
    • L52 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy - - - Industrial Policy; Sectoral Planning Methods
    • L98 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Government Policy

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