Quantifying the Efficiency and Equity Implications of Power Plant Air Pollution Control Strategies in the United States

摘要: In many settings there are tensions between efficiency and equity in deciding on optimal pollution control strategies. Within the context of benefit-cost analysis, may be related to implementing least-cost strategy achieve a given health benefit, or alternatively, maximizing net benefits. Similarly, can involve procedural fairness (i.e., equal involvement public proceedings) distribution outcomes (Jacobson et al. 2005). Inequity consists those inequalities that considered unjust unfair (Macinko Starfield 2002). Although multiple interpretations these terms, we focus here as benefits measure, equality across at-risk individuals dimension included quantitative analysis. Given definitions, although is incorporated into any distributional issues often omitted (Yitzhaki 2003). Most regulatory impact analyses have focused exclusively aggregate [U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 1999a, 1999b] without formally considering geographic demographic distributions parallel, studies environmental justice did not quantify risks, instead focusing proximity sources (Burke 1993; Pollack Vittas 1995; Sheppard 1999), emissions (Millimet Slottje 2002a, 2002b; Perlin 1995), concentrations (Lopez Studies quantified risk inequality (Apelberg 2005; Morello-Frosch Jesdale 2006) proposed framework do so (Finkel 1990, 1997) characterizing baseline rather than strategies, appropriate methodology differ this context. The lack systematic simultaneously consider decision imply decisions based largely maximization societal formal consideration implications. To address limitations, developed by which could within analysis (Levy 2006). Briefly, indicators inequality, similar used measure income allow makers construct an efficiency–equality frontier avoid policies dominated both dimensions. Based axiomatic approach, selected Atkinson index (Atkinson 1970) most indicator for change under different scenarios. Other were useful sensitivity (the Gini coefficient, mean log deviation, Theil entropy index). Quantitative measures risk-based contexts, including evaluation national-level from power plants United States. theory site-specific requirements cap-and-trade programs. Cap-and-trade programs designed primarily economic but operate presumption would regardless (Farrell Lave 2004). However, differences atmospheric conditions population patterns, how emission controls distributed geographically influence magnitude Sulfur dioxide (SO2) trading Title IV Acid Rain Program (U.S. EPA 2007) resulted greater hypothetical program trading, (Burtraw Mansur 1999). Regardless claims, advocates communities housing expressed concern unrestricted does decrease exacerbate inequities (Solomon Lee 2000). Previous (Corburn 2001; Swift 2001) possibility hot spots associated with whether low-income minority populations tended lesser reductions proximate facilities. While concluded no spots, they outcome-based concept therefore question changing patterns risks. 1999) indicated certain areas received while others had disbenefits. more it difficult determine increased, decreased, stayed same, ascertain potential impacts future policies. Given framing debate about national plant controls, implies various correspond changes spatial informative design programs. In ways States meet caps SO2, nitrogen oxides (NOx), primary fine particulate matter (particulate diameter < 2.5 μm; PM2.5). For each scenario, estimate risk. We our conclusions pollutants evaluated, selected, other factors.