Optimal Specificity in Environmental Standard-Setting
CRITICAL ISSUES IN ENVIRONMENTAL TAXATION: INTERNATIONAL AND COMPARATIVE PERSPTCTIVES, Vol. III, pp. 730-745, C. Dias Soars, J.E. Milne, H. Ashiabor, L. Kreiser, K. Deketelaere, eds., Oxford University Press, 2010
18 Pages Posted: 1 Feb 2012 Last revised: 17 Mar 2012
Date Written: January 31, 2012
Abstract
This paper discusses environmental standard-setting from an economic perspective. Special attention is paid to the way in which environmental standards should be set in federal systems. Basic economics of standard-setting is presented as well as the difference between ambient quality standards and emission standards. The relationship between cost-benefit analysis and standard-setting is explained. The way in which standard-setting is regulated in the (European) Directive on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) is explained as well. Attention is paid to guidelines for standard-setting such as the requirement to use Best Available Technology (BAT).
Keywords: standard-setting, optimal specificity, centralization, IPPC, harmonization, levelling the playing field, Best Available Technology, BAT, ambient quality standards, emission standards, integrated pollution control, batneec
JEL Classification: K23, K32
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation