Are firm emissions data likely to be accurate under carbon-dioxide cap & trade programs? An economic analysis

Author

Kyle BeckFollow

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Date of Graduation

Spring 2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Department

Department of Economics

Advisor(s)

Scott R. Milliman

Maria Papadakis

William C. Wood

Abstract

Numerous policy makers around the world have implemented carbon dioxide (CO2) cap and trade programs in an effort to combat global climate change. However, under this policy option emitters face incentives to both overstate prior emission levels and then exaggerate emissions reductions induced by regulation. I first build a simple conceptual model which demonstrates these incentives for fraud, and then outline institutional conditions which could plausibly enhance, or else reduce, firm incentives to disseminate erroneous emissions data under this policy option. Next I analyze real world evidence suggesting that duplicitous emissions data, particularly for the pre-regulatory period, is a serious concern for cap and trade programs. I conclude by suggesting strategies for enhancing the accuracy of firm emission data under this policy option.

Recommended Citation

Beck, Kyle, "Are firm emissions data likely to be accurate under carbon-dioxide cap & trade programs? An economic analysis" (2019). Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019. 649.
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/honors201019/649