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Effects of low emission zones on air quality, new vehicle registrations, and birthweights: Evidence from Japan

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  • Shuhei Nishitateno
  • Paul J. Burke

Abstract

In October 2003 four contiguous prefectures in Greater Tokyo introduced Low Emission Zones (LEZs) from which diesel trucks and buses without particulate filters have been banned from entering. This paper analyzes the effects of this large-scale intervention on air quality, new vehicle registrations, and birthweights. We use a matching approach to construct a control group comparable to the designated areas in terms of propensity scores based on municipality characteristics during the pre-intervention period and apply a difference-in-differences design. We find evidence that the intervention led to reductions in hourly particulate matter concentrations and the incidence of low birthweights in the Greater Tokyo LEZ relative to the control group. We also find that the LEZs led to increases in registrations of new trucks and buses. This is not the case for passenger cars, which were exempt from the regulations. Our paper provides the first evidence of a significant link between LEZs and reduced incidence of low birthweights.

Suggested Citation

  • Shuhei Nishitateno & Paul J. Burke, 2024. "Effects of low emission zones on air quality, new vehicle registrations, and birthweights: Evidence from Japan," Departmental Working Papers 2024-2, The Australian National University, Arndt-Corden Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:pas:papers:2024-2
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    File URL: https://acde.crawford.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/publication/acde_crawford_anu_edu_au/2024-05/acde_td_nishitateno_burke_2024_02.pdf
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    1. Shuhei Nishitateno & Paul J. Burke & Toshi H. Arimura, 2024. "Road traffic flow and air pollution concentrations: evidence from Japan," International Journal of Economic Policy Studies, Springer, vol. 18(2), pages 357-385, August.

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    JEL classification:

    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • R48 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Government Pricing and Policy
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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