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An Experimental Analysis of Compliance in Dynamic Emissions Markets

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  • Stranlund, John K.
  • Murphy, James J.
  • Spraggon, John M.

Abstract

Two important design elements for emission trading programs are whether and to what extent firms are able to bank emissions permits, and how these programs are to be enforced. In this paper we present results from laboratory emissions markets designed to investigate enforcement and compliance when these markets allow permit banking. Banking is motivated by a decrease in the aggregate permit supply in the middle of multi-period trading sessions. Consistent with theoretical insights, our experiments suggest that high permit violation penalties have little deterrence value in dynamic emissions markets, and that the main challenge of enforcing these programs is to motivate truthful self-reports of emissions.

Suggested Citation

  • Stranlund, John K. & Murphy, James J. & Spraggon, John M., 2010. "An Experimental Analysis of Compliance in Dynamic Emissions Markets," Working Paper Series 93966, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Department of Resource Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:umamwp:93966
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.93966
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Environmental Economics and Policy; Public Economics;

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • L51 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy - - - Economics of Regulation
    • Q58 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Government Policy

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