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An endogenous emissions cap produces a green paradox
[Combining price and quantity controls under partitioned environmental regulation]

Author

Listed:
  • Reyer Gerlagh
  • Roweno J R K Heijmans
  • Knut Einar Rosendahl

Abstract

The European Union’s Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is complemented by a Market Stability Reserve (MSR). After a major revision of the EU ETS in 2018, the MSR effectively makes the supply of allowances responsive to demand. In this paper, we show that a cap-and-trade scheme with an endogenous cap, such as the EU ETS produces a green paradox. Abatement policies announced early but realized in the future are counter-effective because of the MSR, they increase cumulative emissions. We present the mechanisms in a two-period model, and then provide quantitative evidence of our result for an annual model disciplined on the price rise in the EU ETS that followed the introduction of the MSR. Our results point to the need for better coordination between different policies, such as the “European Green Deal.” We conclude with suggestions to improve the workings of an endogenous cap, ahead of the MSR review scheduled for 2021.

Suggested Citation

  • Reyer Gerlagh & Roweno J R K Heijmans & Knut Einar Rosendahl, 2021. "An endogenous emissions cap produces a green paradox [Combining price and quantity controls under partitioned environmental regulation]," Economic Policy, CEPR, CESifo, Sciences Po;CES;MSH, vol. 36(107), pages 485-522.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:ecpoli:v:36:y:2021:i:107:p:485-522.
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Borghesi, Simone & Pahle, Michael & Perino, Grischa & Quemin, Simon & Willner, Maximilian, 2023. "The market stability reserve in the EU emissions trading system: a critical review," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 120548, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    2. Keppler, Jan Horst & Quemin, Simon & Saguan, Marcelo, 2022. "Why the sustainable provision of low-carbon electricity needs hybrid markets," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 171(C).
    3. Heijmans, Roweno J.R.K. & Engström, Max, 2024. "Time Horizons and Emissions Trading," Discussion Papers 2024/2, Norwegian School of Economics, Department of Business and Management Science.
    4. Beck, Ulrik R. & Kruse-Andersen, Peter K. & Stewart, Louis B., 2023. "Carbon leakage in a small open economy: The importance of international climate policies," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 117(C).
    5. Jiping Sheng & Xiaoge Gao & Yongqi Sun, 2024. "Sustainability of the Food Industry: Ecological Efficiency and Influencing Mechanism of Carbon Emissions Trading Policy in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-25, March.
    6. Böhringer, Christoph & Fischer, Carolyn, 2023. "Tax, kill or bill: An analysis of unilateral CO2 price floor options in multilateral emissions trading systems," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    7. Heijmans, Roweno J.R.K., 2023. "Adjustable emissions caps and the price of pollution," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 118(C).
    8. Nagel, Niels Oliver & Böhringer, Christoph & Rosendahl, Knut Einar & Bolkesjø, Torjus Folsland, 2023. "Impacts of green deal policies on the Nordic power market," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    D59; E61; H23; Q50; Q54; Q58;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D59 - Microeconomics - - General Equilibrium and Disequilibrium - - - Other
    • E61 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Policy Objectives; Policy Designs and Consistency; Policy Coordination
    • H23 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies
    • Q50 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - General
    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming
    • Q58 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Government Policy

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