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A Watershed Moment: The Clean Water Act and Birth Weight

Author

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  • Patrick Flynn
  • Michelle Marcus

Abstract

The Clean Water Act (CWA) significantly improved surface water quality, but at a cost exceeding the estimated benefits. We quantify the effect of the CWA on a direct measure of health. Using a difference-in-differences framework, we compare birth weight upstream and downstream from wastewater treatment facilities before and after CWA grant receipt. Pollution only decreased downstream from facilities required to upgrade their treatment technology, and we leverage this additional variation with a triple difference. Clean Water Act grants increased average birth weight by 8 grams.

Suggested Citation

  • Patrick Flynn & Michelle Marcus, 2025. "A Watershed Moment: The Clean Water Act and Birth Weight," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 60(6), pages 1915-1936.
    • Handle: RePEc:uwp:jhriss:v:60:y:2025:i:6:p:1915-1936
    Note: DOI: https://doi.org/10.3368/jhr.0622-12369R2
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • Q51 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Valuation of Environmental Effects
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • Q58 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Government Policy
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • H51 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Health

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