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Retrospective cost analyses of EPA regulations: a case study approach

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  • Kopits, Elizabeth
  • McGartland, Al
  • Morgan, Cynthia
  • Pasurka, Carl
  • Shadbegian, Ron
  • Simon, Nathalie B.
  • Simpson, David
  • Wolverton, Ann

Abstract

EPA has conducted several ex post assessments of regulatory compliance costs, with the ultimate goal of identifying ways to improve ex ante cost estimation. The work to date has culminated in four case studies that examine five regulations using a common conceptual framework. The standardized framework provides a systematic way to investigate key drivers of compliance costs to see if judgments can be made about why and how ex ante and ex post estimates of costs differ. In addition to describing this conceptual framework, we describe the criteria used to select the rules to be analyzed, summarize the main hypotheses for why ex ante and ex post cost estimates may differ and discuss some of the challenges encountered in conducting these ex post analyses.

Suggested Citation

  • Kopits, Elizabeth & McGartland, Al & Morgan, Cynthia & Pasurka, Carl & Shadbegian, Ron & Simon, Nathalie B. & Simpson, David & Wolverton, Ann, 2014. "Retrospective cost analyses of EPA regulations: a case study approach," Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis, Cambridge University Press, vol. 5(2), pages 173-193, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:jbcoan:v:5:y:2014:i:02:p:173-193_00
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    1. Wolverton, Ann, 2014. "Retrospective evaluation of costs associated with methyl bromide critical use exemptions for open field strawberries in California," Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis, Cambridge University Press, vol. 5(2), pages 225-257, June.
    2. Morgan, Cynthia & Pasurka, Carl & Shadbegian, Ron & Belova, Anna & Casey, Brendan, 2023. "Estimating the cost of environmental regulations and technological change with limited information," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 204(PA).
    3. Gingerich, Daniel B. & Zhao, Yifan & Mauter, Meagan S., 2019. "Environmentally significant shifts in trace element emissions from coal plants complying with the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 1206-1215.
    4. Morgan Cynthia & Simon Nathalie B., 2014. "National primary drinking water regulation for arsenic: A retrospective assessment of costs," Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis, De Gruyter, vol. 5(2), pages 1-26, June.
    5. Kopits Elizabeth, 2014. "A retrospective assessment of the costs of EPA’s 1998 Locomotive Emission Standards," Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis, De Gruyter, vol. 5(2), pages 1-30, June.

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