Modeling the Transport Sector: The Role of Existing Fuel Taxes in Climate Policy

Joint Program Report
Modeling the Transport Sector: The Role of Existing Fuel Taxes in Climate Policy
Paltsev, S., H.D. Jacoby, J. Reilly, L. Viguier and M. Babiker (2004)
Joint Program Report Series, 22 pages

Report 117 [Download]

Abstract/Summary:

Existing fuel taxes play a major role in determining the welfare effects of exempting the transportation sector from measures to control greenhouse gases. To study this phenomenon we modify the MIT Emissions Prediction and Policy Analysis (EPPA) model to disaggregate the household transportation sector. This improvement requires an extension of the GTAP data set that underlies the model. The revised and extended facility is then used to compare economic costs of cap-and-trade systems differentiated by sector, focusing on two regions: the USA where the fuel taxes are low, and Europe where the fuel taxes are high. We find that the interplay between carbon policies and pre-existing taxes leads to different results in these regions: in the USA exemption of transport from such a system would increase the welfare cost of achieving a national emissions target, while in Europe such exemptions will correct pre-existing distortions and reduce the cost.

Citation:

Paltsev, S., H.D. Jacoby, J. Reilly, L. Viguier and M. Babiker (2004): Modeling the Transport Sector: The Role of Existing Fuel Taxes in Climate Policy. Joint Program Report Series Report 117, 22 pages (http://globalchange.mit.edu/publication/14235)
  • Joint Program Report
Modeling the Transport Sector: The Role of Existing Fuel Taxes in Climate Policy

Paltsev, S., H.D. Jacoby, J. Reilly, L. Viguier and M. Babiker

Report 

117
22 pages
2004

Abstract/Summary: 

Existing fuel taxes play a major role in determining the welfare effects of exempting the transportation sector from measures to control greenhouse gases. To study this phenomenon we modify the MIT Emissions Prediction and Policy Analysis (EPPA) model to disaggregate the household transportation sector. This improvement requires an extension of the GTAP data set that underlies the model. The revised and extended facility is then used to compare economic costs of cap-and-trade systems differentiated by sector, focusing on two regions: the USA where the fuel taxes are low, and Europe where the fuel taxes are high. We find that the interplay between carbon policies and pre-existing taxes leads to different results in these regions: in the USA exemption of transport from such a system would increase the welfare cost of achieving a national emissions target, while in Europe such exemptions will correct pre-existing distortions and reduce the cost.