Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/197494 
Authors: 
Year of Publication: 
2019
Series/Report no.: 
DIW Discussion Papers No. 1773
Version Description: 
Revised on May 29, 2019
Publisher: 
Deutsches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung (DIW), Berlin
Abstract: 
This paper explores the extent to which emissions limits on stack concentrations under the Large Combustion Plant (LCP) Directive succeeded in mitigating local air pollutants from thermal power stations in the European Union. We take advantage of the discontinuities in regulation status to show that the emission performance standards led to sizeable declines in concentrations of SO2 , NOx, and particulate matter from the oldest fleet of combustion plants. We also find that the average response from the existing old plants was stronger than that from the relatively new existing fleet. Taking into account that new plants were not myopic in complying to the standards, we estimate the treatment effect close to the regulation discontinuity date – showing that more stringent performance standards were effective. Finally, those that opted-out were not more likely to retire than similar combustion plants that chose to comply with standards - some evidence of grandfathering-induced shutdown delays.
Subjects: 
Air pollution
Emission standards
Large combustion plant
EU
JEL: 
Q53
Q58
K32
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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