Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/102195 
Year of Publication: 
2014
Series/Report no.: 
CESifo Working Paper No. 4891
Publisher: 
Center for Economic Studies and ifo Institute (CESifo), Munich
Abstract: 
In our analytical general equilibrium model where two polluting inputs can be substitutes or complements in production, we study the effects of a tax on one pollutant in two cases: one where both pollutants face taxes and the second where the other pollutant is subject to a permit policy. In each case, we solve for closed-form solutions that highlight important parameters. We demonstrate two important ways that environmental taxes and permits are not equivalent. First, the change in the pollutant facing a tax increase depends on whether the other pollutant is subject to a tax or permit policy. Second, if that other pollutant is subject to a tax, then general equilibrium effects can increase or decrease its quantity (affecting overall welfare). However, when the second pollutant is subject to a permit policy that binds, then welfare is not affected by this spillover effect. Finally, a numerical exercise helps demonstrate these two ways that taxes and permits differ. Using the example of coal-fired power plants, our numerical exercise examines the impacts of increasing a hypothetical carbon tax on the quantity of sulfur dioxide emissions.
Subjects: 
general equilibrium
pollution tax
tradable permits
carbon dioxide
sulfur dioxide
climate policy
co-benefits
environmental damages
JEL: 
H23
Document Type: 
Working Paper
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