By Jeff McMahon
Clean air regulations cost the United States about $21 billion per year in lost productivity, a University of Chicago economist said this afternoon.
But the benefits of environmental regulation—improved health, reduced infant mortality, increased property values—are typically estimated at more than $100 billion, said Chad Syverson, professor of economics at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
“It looks like—you’ve got $21 billion on this side, $100-something billion over here—the scale is actually suggesting that the marginal benefit of regulation is quite a bit bigger than the marginal cost, at least over the sample,” Syverson told about 40 people gathered in a campus lecture hall…
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Areas of Focus: Environment, Air Pollution, Climate Change, Climate Science, Energy Markets, Renewable Energy
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Environment
Producing and using energy damages people’s health and the environment. EPIC research is quantifying the social costs of energy choices and uncovering policies that help protect health while facilitating growth.
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Air Pollution
Air pollution from fossil fuel combustion poses a grave threat to human health worldwide. EPIC research is using real-world data to calculate the effects of air pollution on human health...
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Climate Change
Climate change is an urgent global challenge. EPIC research is helping to assess its impacts, quantify its costs, and identify an efficient set of policies to reduce emissions and adapt...
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Climate Science
EPIC’s interdisciplinary team of researchers is contributing to a cross-cutting body of knowledge on the scientific causes of climate change and its social consequences.
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Energy Markets
Well-functioning markets are essential for providing access to reliable, affordable energy. EPIC research is uncovering the policies, prices and information needed to help energy markets work efficiently.
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Renewable Energy
Lower technology costs and supportive public policies are driving an increase in renewable energy in markets around the world. EPIC research is assessing the costs, benefits, and efficiency of policies...