Does Electronic Reporting of Emissions Information Generate Environmental Benefits?

Presenters
Ron Shadbegian and Ann Wolverton
National Center for Environmental Economics, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Abstract
In recent years, regulatory agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, have become increasingly interested in moving from paper to electronic reporting of various types of information, including emissions. An often cited reason for moving to electronic reporting is the potential for administrative cost savings for both regulated entities and government. Another reason, for which far less empirical evidence exists, is that electronic reporting has the potential to improve regulatory compliance and environmental quality. If electronic reporting is perceived by regulated entities as increasing the overall ability of the agency to effectively monitor and enforce regulations, those entities may put additional effort into improving their environmental compliance. In addition, the ability to respond more quickly to ongoing non-compliance may increase compliance pressures on already-inspected plants. In this paper, we study whether and how electronic reporting of water discharge monitoring report (DMR) data affects compliance behavior of regulated entities. In particular, we examine whether or not the adoption of an electronic reporting requirement increases on-time reporting of monthly discharge data and the probability that regulated entities are in compliance, and reduces their overall discharges relative to the permitted amount.

Date
Thursday, May 17, 2012
12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Location
7th Floor Conference Room
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