How Effective are US Renewable Energy Subsidies in Cutting Greenhouse Gases?

Journal Article
How Effective are US Renewable Energy Subsidies in Cutting Greenhouse Gases?
Murray, B.C., M.L. Cropper, F.C. de la Chesnaye and J.M. Reilly (2014)
American Economic Review: Papers & Proceedings 2014, 104(5): 569–574

Abstract/Summary:

The federal tax code provides preferential treatment for the production and use of renewable energy. We report estimates of the subsidies' effects on greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions developed in a recent National Research Council (NRC) Report. Due to lack of estimates of the impact of tax provisions on GHG emissions, new modeling studies were commissioned. The studies found, at best, a small impact of subsidies in reducing GHG emissions; in some cases, emissions increased. The NRC report also identified the need to capture the complex interactions among subsidies, pre-existing regulations, and commodity markets.

Citation:

Murray, B.C., M.L. Cropper, F.C. de la Chesnaye and J.M. Reilly (2014): How Effective are US Renewable Energy Subsidies in Cutting Greenhouse Gases?. American Economic Review: Papers & Proceedings 2014, 104(5): 569–574 (http://dx.doi.org/10.1257/aer.104.5.569)
  • Journal Article
How Effective are US Renewable Energy Subsidies in Cutting Greenhouse Gases?

Murray, B.C., M.L. Cropper, F.C. de la Chesnaye and J.M. Reilly

Abstract/Summary: 

The federal tax code provides preferential treatment for the production and use of renewable energy. We report estimates of the subsidies' effects on greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions developed in a recent National Research Council (NRC) Report. Due to lack of estimates of the impact of tax provisions on GHG emissions, new modeling studies were commissioned. The studies found, at best, a small impact of subsidies in reducing GHG emissions; in some cases, emissions increased. The NRC report also identified the need to capture the complex interactions among subsidies, pre-existing regulations, and commodity markets.