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Energy Efficiency Standards Are More Regressive Than Energy Taxes: Theory and Evidence

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Abstract
Economists endorse taxes as a cost-effective means of reducing pollution. But policymakers raise concerns about their regressivity, or disproportional burden on poorer families, preferring instead to regulate energy efficiency. I first show that in theory, energy efficiency standards are more regressive than energy taxes, not less. I then provide an example using data on automobiles in the United States. Taxing gas would be less regressive than regulating the fuel economy of cars if the two policies are compared on a revenue-equivalent basis.

Suggested Citation

  • Arik Levinson, 2018. "Energy Efficiency Standards Are More Regressive Than Energy Taxes: Theory and Evidence," Working Papers gueconwpa~18-18-03, Georgetown University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:geo:guwopa:gueconwpa~18-18-03
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Pigouvian tax; performance standards; pollution;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H23 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies

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