Greenhouse Gas Regulation Under the Clean Air Act: A Guide for Economists

Resources for the Future Discussion Paper No. 11-08

32 Pages Posted: 21 Feb 2011

See all articles by Dallas Burtraw

Dallas Burtraw

Resources for the Future

Arthur G. Fraas

Resources for the Future

Nathan D. Richardson

University of South Carolina - Joseph F. Rice School of Law; Resources for the Future

Date Written: February 9, 2011

Abstract

Until recently, most attention to U.S. climate policy has focused on legislative efforts to introduce a price on carbon through cap and trade. In the absence of such legislation, the Clean Air Act is a potentially potent alternative. Decisions regarding existing stationary sources will have the greatest effect on emissions reductions. The magnitude is uncertain, but plausibly 10 percent reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels could be achieved at moderate costs by 2020. This is comparable to the reductions that would have been achieved under the Waxman-Markey legislation in the domestic economy. These measures do not include the switching of fuels, which could yield further reductions. The ultimate cost of regulation under the act hinges on the stringency of standards and the flexibility allowed. A broad-based tradable performance standard is legally plausible and would provide incentives comparable to the proposed legislation, at least in the near term.

Keywords: climate policy, efficiency, EPA, Clean Air Act, NAAQS, coal

JEL Classification: K32, Q54, Q58

Suggested Citation

Burtraw, Dallas and Fraas, Arthur G. and Richardson, Nathan D., Greenhouse Gas Regulation Under the Clean Air Act: A Guide for Economists (February 9, 2011). Resources for the Future Discussion Paper No. 11-08, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1759571 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1759571

Dallas Burtraw (Contact Author)

Resources for the Future ( email )

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Arthur G. Fraas

Resources for the Future ( email )

1616 P ST, NW
Washington, DC 20036
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Nathan D. Richardson

University of South Carolina - Joseph F. Rice School of Law ( email )

1525 Senate Street
Columbia, SC 29208
United States

Resources for the Future ( email )

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Washington, DC 20036
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