What is the Best Formula to Protect the Environment in Electricity Restructuring?

Authors

Victor B. Flatt

Abstract

This article examines new empirical data on what has happened with respect to the environment and the market when electricity goes through deregulatory strategies. In so doing, it addresses the connection between energy usage and the environment. The article then uses this framework to discuss how we think about energy deregulation and the environment.

The article notes that the empirical data is incomplete but finds connections between the empirical outcomes and theories of environmental enforcement generally. The article concludes by noting that if environmental protection laws themselves were complete (such as addressing climate change) and were effectively enforced, then electricity deregulation should not have appreciable negative effects on the environment.

Keywords

electricity, environment, climate change, air, energy, pollution, deregulation, restructuring

Publication Date

2006

Document Type

Article

Publication Information

1 University of Houston Environmental & Energy Law & Policy Journal 221 (2006)

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COinS Victor B. Flatt Faculty Bio