Do emission permits markets' original advantages still hold?

Fernandes, Maria Eduarda; Pinto, Lígia; Botelho, Anabela

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.8/2769

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Authors

Fernandes, Maria Eduarda

Pinto, Lígia

Botelho, Anabela

Abstract(s)

Emission permits markets have been implemented all over the world but in very different conditions than those assumed in the original models developed by Dales (1968) or Montgomery (1972). This paper summarizes the assumptions that are violated when implementing this policy instrument. Reviewing the most significant literature in the area, we analyse the consequences of these violations for the outcome of emission permits markets, and derive conclusions about whether the traditional advantages associated with this instrument still hold. The major solutions that have been suggested for the identified market failures are also described. We find that despite the conflicting results reported in the literature, there are some conclusions unanimously accepted. Importantly, we find that the characteristics of market institutions are significant determinants of the outcome of these markets, which means that these aspects may no longer be treated as a mere detail as within the neoclassical approach. In addition, we find that these characteristics have important impacts on many other “market failures” identified in this paper. Since these aspects were not included in the original models, their predictions differ from the results effectively achieved with the implementation of an emissions permit market.