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Transport Taxes and Decarbonization in Spain: Distributional Impacts and Compensation

Author

Listed:
  • Alberto Gago

    (Rede. Universiad de Vigo)

  • Xavier Labandeira

    (Rede. Universidad de Vigo)

  • José M. Labeaga

    (UNED)

  • Xiral López Otero

    (UNED)

Abstract

The importance of energy-environmental taxation in the transition to decarbonized economies does not correspond to its actual role due to several constraints on its application. This paper emphasizes one of the main barriers, the negative impacts on distribution and equity, and suggests alternatives to mitigate these effects. In particular, it lists a series of fiscal proposals for road transport and aviation, sources of significant emissions, defined and empirically evaluated for the specific case of Spain, with compensatory packages to reduce their regressive nature and thus support their viability in practice.

Suggested Citation

  • Alberto Gago & Xavier Labandeira & José M. Labeaga & Xiral López Otero, 2021. "Transport Taxes and Decarbonization in Spain: Distributional Impacts and Compensation," Hacienda Pública Española / Review of Public Economics, IEF, vol. 238(3), pages 101-136, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:hpe:journl:y:2021:v:238:i:3:p:101-136
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Delgado, Francisco J. & Freire-González, Jaume & Presno, Maria J., 2022. "Environmental taxation in the European Union: Are there common trends?," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 670-682.
    2. Tomás, Manuel & García-Muros, Xaquín & Alonso-Epelde, Eva & Arto, Iñaki & Rodríguez-Zúñiga, Alejandro & Monge, Cristina & González-Eguino, Mikel, 2023. "Ensuring a just energy transition: A distributional analysis of diesel tax reform in Spain with stakeholder engagement," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 177(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Energy; Environment; Distribution; Aviation; Hydrocarbons;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H23 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies
    • H31 - Public Economics - - Fiscal Policies and Behavior of Economic Agents - - - Household
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • Q48 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Government Policy
    • Q58 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Government Policy
    • R48 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Government Pricing and Policy

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