Economic Incentives: Options for Environmental Protection (1991)

Paper Number: EE-0315

Document Date: 03/01/1991

Author(s): U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Economic Incentives Task Force

Subject Area(s):

Economic Incentives

Keywords:  Incentives, Pollution Fees, Charges, Taxes, Trading and Marketable Permits, Deposit-Refund Systems, Liability, Information, Subsidies, Voluntary Programs

Abstract: 

Report of EPA Economic Incentives Task Force which develops and evaluates a broad array of economic incentive proposals. Although it does not endorse any particular proposal, it examines some of the key design and implementation issues surrounding the use of each incentive proposal. The Task Force Report discusses the following incentive proposals:

Municipal Solid Waste Incentives

• Volume-Based Pricing of Municipal Waste Services
• Incentives to Recycle Scrap Tires
• Deposit/Refund System for Lead-Acid Batteries
• Credit System or Deposit/Refund System for Used Oil
• Other MSW Incentive Applications　

Global Climate Change Incentives

• Fee on Carbon Content in Fossil Fuels
• International Trading of Greenhouse Gas Emission Rights
• Incentives to Encourage Electricity Conservation
• "Sipper/Guzzler" Rebate/Fee to Encourage Purchases of More Fuel-Efficient Vehicles

Water Resource Incentives

• Changes in the Pricing of Water
• Deposit/Refund or Tax/Rebate System for Pesticide Containers
• Reduction of Federal Subsidies Encouraging Development in Coastal Areas

Multi-Media Incentives

• Local Fees on VOC Emissions from Major Sources
• Market Incentives to Reduce Consumer and Commercial Use of Solvents
• Deposit/Refund System for Chlorinated Solvents
• Labeling of "Environmentally Responsible" Products
• Marketable Permit or Surcharge System for Lead
• Charge on TRI Releases
• Reduction of Federal Subsidies Encouraging Use of Virgin Materials
• Federal Procurement Policy Initiatives.

Report available at EPA's National Service Center for Environmental Publications

This paper is part of the  Environmental Economics Research Inventory.

• Economic Incentives: Options for Environmental Protection (pdf) (777.75 KB, 03/01/1991, EE-0315, P21-2001)
  Report of EPA Economic Incentives Task Force which develops and evaluates a broad array of economic incentive proposals. Although it does not endorse any particular proposal, it examines some of the key design and implementation issues surrounding the use of each incentive proposal.