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Effects of different environmental regulations and their heterogeneity on air pollution control in China

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Listed:
  • Xueping Wu

    (Fujian Jiangxia University)

  • Ming Gao

    (Fuzhou University)

Abstract

This study endeavors to explore the impact of different environmental regulations and their heterogeneity on air pollution control in China. By employing a slacks-based measure of directional distance function model, considering undesirable outputs, the efficiency of air pollution control of China’s 30 provinces during 2001–2014 is evaluated. The estimates indicate that the efficiency of air pollution control is fluctuating, and there is obvious regional differences. By using provincial-level panel data and panel threshold models, empirical results show that: (1) There is a nonlinear relationship between environmental regulation and air pollution control efficiency, and it can be positively correlated, but it is constrained by the stringency of regulation: there is a single threshold for formal (command-and-control (CAC) and market-based) regulation, while there is a double threshold for informal regulation. (2) Different environmental regulations have different governance effects. Compared with CAC regulation, market regulation can attract more attention of enterprises. (3) It may be ineffective to expect informal regulation to improve the air pollution control efficiency. Therefore, in order to achieve real sustainable development, the government should set up reasonable regulation stringency and optimize the combination of regulation tools.

Suggested Citation

  • Xueping Wu & Ming Gao, 2021. "Effects of different environmental regulations and their heterogeneity on air pollution control in China," Journal of Regulatory Economics, Springer, vol. 60(2), pages 140-166, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:regeco:v:60:y:2021:i:2:d:10.1007_s11149-021-09436-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s11149-021-09436-1
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    5. Wu, Xiaofei & Ma, Jie & Gao, Yanyan & Li, Bin & Chen, Xueli & Song, Malin, 2023. "Policy uncertainty and air pollution: Evidence from the turnover of local officials in China," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 532-543.
    6. Liu, Yang & Dong, Kangyin & Dong, Xiucheng & Taghizadeh-Hesary, Farhad, 2024. "Towards a sustainable electricity industry in China: An appraisal of the efficacy of environmental policies," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 86(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Environmental regulation; Air pollution control; China; Panel threshold model;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H23 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies
    • O13 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Environment; Other Primary Products
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • Q58 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Government Policy

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