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Abatement Cost Heterogeneity In Phase I Electric Utilities

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  • JON REZEK
  • BENJAMIN F. BLAIR

Abstract

The market‐based instruments embodied in the Acid Rain Program have been instrumental in the reduction of SO2 and NOx emissions from electric utilities. Economic theory suggests that tradable pollution permit systems encourage polluters to reallocate pollution burdens to take advantage of any differences in marginal abatement costs. Such reallocations improve the efficiency of pollution reduction. This article evaluates the effectiveness of the first phase of the Acid Rain Program in achieving increased homogeneity of marginal abatement costs using an output distance function approach. The results indicate that plants have been successful in adapting to this more flexible regulatory framework.

Suggested Citation

  • Jon Rezek & Benjamin F. Blair, 2005. "Abatement Cost Heterogeneity In Phase I Electric Utilities," Contemporary Economic Policy, Western Economic Association International, vol. 23(3), pages 324-340, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:coecpo:v:23:y:2005:i:3:p:324-340
    DOI: 10.1093/cep/byi025
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Debra Israel, 2007. "Environmental participation in the U.S. sulfur allowance auctions," Environmental & Resource Economics, Springer;European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, vol. 38(3), pages 373-390, November.
    2. Lee, Sang-choon & Oh, Dong-hyun & Lee, Jeong-dong, 2014. "A new approach to measuring shadow price: Reconciling engineering and economic perspectives," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 46(C), pages 66-77.
    3. Park, Hojeong & Lim, Jaekyu, 2009. "Valuation of marginal CO2 abatement options for electric power plants in Korea," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 37(5), pages 1834-1841, May.
    4. Färe, Rolf & Grosskopf, Shawna & Pasurka,, Carl A., 2013. "Tradable permits and unrealized gains from trade," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 40(C), pages 416-424.

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