A BEJEAP Contributions article.

Abstract

Through a series of experiments, we measure the marginal damage of emissions near Atlanta using a sophisticated integrated assessment model. The marginal damages of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) are driven by proximity to downtown Atlanta; emissions produced closer to the city lead to higher exposures and therefore damages.

The spatial pattern in damages from nitrogen oxide (NO_x) emissions are more complex because of the powerful role of atmospheric chemistry. NO_x emissions from ground-level sources in downtown Atlanta reduce aggregate exposures to both the tropospheric ozone as well as small particulates. In contrast, NO_x discharges in suburban or rural areas lead to higher exposures and damages from both pollutants. These findings raise questions about the current policy of treating all NO_x and SO_x emissions as though they are alike.

Submitted: January 29, 2008 · Accepted: July 15, 2008 · Published: March 30, 2009

Recommended Citation

Muller, Nicholas; Tong, Daniel; and Mendelsohn, Robert (2009) "Regulating NO_x and SO₂ Emissions in Atlanta," The B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy: Vol. 9 : Iss. 2 (Contributions), Article 3.
DOI: 10.2202/1935-1682.1954
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/bejeap/vol9/iss2/art3