Cap and Trade Policies in the Presence of Monopoly and Distortionary Taxation

Joint Program Report
Cap and Trade Policies in the Presence of Monopoly and Distortionary Taxation
Fullerton, D., and G.E. Metcalf (2001)
Joint Program Report Series, 19 pages

Report 72 [Download]

Abstract/Summary:

We extend an analytical general equilibrium model of environmental policy with pre-existing labor tax distortions to include pre-existing monopoly power as well. We show that the existence of monopoly power has two offsetting effects on welfare. First, the environmental policy reduces monopoly profits, and the negative effect on income increases labor supply in a way that partially offsets the pre-existing labor supply distortion. Second, environmental policy raises prices, so interaction with the pre-existing monopoly distortion further exacerbates the labor supply distortion. This second effect is larger, for reasonable parameter values, so the existence of monopoly reduces the welfare gain (or increases the loss) from environmental restrictions.

Citation:

Fullerton, D., and G.E. Metcalf (2001): Cap and Trade Policies in the Presence of Monopoly and Distortionary Taxation. Joint Program Report Series Report 72, 19 pages (http://globalchange.mit.edu/publication/13707)
  • Joint Program Report
Cap and Trade Policies in the Presence of Monopoly and Distortionary Taxation

Fullerton, D., and G.E. Metcalf

Report 

72
19 pages
2001

Abstract/Summary: 

We extend an analytical general equilibrium model of environmental policy with pre-existing labor tax distortions to include pre-existing monopoly power as well. We show that the existence of monopoly power has two offsetting effects on welfare. First, the environmental policy reduces monopoly profits, and the negative effect on income increases labor supply in a way that partially offsets the pre-existing labor supply distortion. Second, environmental policy raises prices, so interaction with the pre-existing monopoly distortion further exacerbates the labor supply distortion. This second effect is larger, for reasonable parameter values, so the existence of monopoly reduces the welfare gain (or increases the loss) from environmental restrictions.