Title: The US experience with controlling motor vehicle pollution: lessons for China

Authors: Fredric C. Menz

Addresses: Faculty of Economics and Financial Studies, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA

Abstract: This paper reviews policies for the control of mobile source pollution and their potential application in China. The first section reviews the US experience with mobile source pollution control since regulations were first established in the Clean Air Act of 1970. Highlights in the policy and trends in vehicle emissions from 1970 to 2000 are discussed. The second section discusses the range of policy instruments that could be used to control vehicle pollution, ranging from traditional direct regulations to market-based instruments. Experiences with the use of economic incentives in the USA and elsewhere are also discussed. The third section discusses possible implications of the US experience for controlling vehicle pollution in China. While market-based instruments might be particularly appropriate for use in several aspects of China|s pollution control policies, important differences between the institutional structures in China and the USA suggest that they should be phased in gradually..

Keywords: Chinese pollution control policies; economic instruments; environmental-related taxes; mobile source pollution; pollution control policies; transport pollution; US air pollution trends; US pollution control policies; China; vehicle pollution control.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2002.000691

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2002 Vol.18 No.1, pp.1-21

Published online: 14 Jul 2003 *

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