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This dissertation examines topics at the intersection of environmental and energy economics. The first two chapters explore how policies can induce more efficient use of the energy sources available for generating electricity. The electricity sector is a major source of a wide variety of harmful pollutants. To mitigate the environmental impacts of electricity production, a variety of policies are being implemented to increase the quantity of generation from clean, renewable energy sources. The first chapter identifies the short-run reductions in emissions caused by generation from a particular renewable technology; wind turbines. Using the estimates of the pollution offset by the renewable production, I explore the efficiency of the incentives created by the current set of renewable energy policies. The second chapter examines the impact adding bulk electricity storage capacity will have on the full social costs of generating electricity. The third chapter explores the impact of various gasoline tax structures on both retail price volatility and state revenue volatility

The energy sector is undeniably undergoing a critical period, faced with multiple challenges, whether economic, political or technological. These challenges are related to the requirements set on the sector to meet a wide range of social demands associated with the three traditional dimensions of a sustainable energy system, i.e., environmental sustainability, security of energy supply and economic sustainability. In particular, the environmental pillar has gained ground after the Paris Agreement, which has reinforced the requirement of a low-carbon transformation of the sector. A main challenge is to balance trade-offs among competing goals when designing energy and environmental policies. Although making the energy sector greener is a common aspiration of governments, and many countries are indeed being successful in this regard, the success comes at a price in terms of the other, non-environmental dimensions, of a sustainable energy system. The aim of this special issue is to look in detail on some of the most pressing environmental challenges faced by the energy sector as well as the trade-offs involved in reaching a greener energy system.

Environmental policy in a trap? -- Framework of analysis -- The energy efficiency directive: a tale of thwarted ambitions -- Efficient cars: the fuel-saving regulation -- Efficient appliances: the lamps regulation -- Bypassing joint-decision traps in EU environmental policy

AbstractGovernments often operate under considerable pressure to respond effectively to the emergence of increasingly complex policy dilemmas. This article first explains some key difficulties in bringing forth comprehensive policy interventions. Despite the ubiquity of social and political constraints to policy innovation, many failures can be attributed to public bureaucracies that are not designed to deal with complex problems, and which all too quickly exceed their policy-making capacities. This study then analyzes why comprehensive policy-making does sometimes occur, and links its occurrence to bureaucratic design factors, arguing that extending organizational capacity for innovation involves more than generous budgets and expertise. The article draws upon, and develops further, Mintzberg's ideas on administrative adhocracy to show how administrative units can be organized to enable bureaucracies to transcend professional compartmentalization and routine; and how structures can be designed for comprehensive policy innovation. The study focuses on Canadian federal bureaucracy, and it is supported by three case studies of recent policy experiments: energy, environment and AIDS.

On May 1st, the Federal government rebate payment for electric vehicle (EV) purchases came into effect. The program offers buyers of EVs a $5,000 credit, or $2,500 for the purchase of a short range plug-in hybrid vehicle. And these can be stacked on a $5,000 credit in B.C. and an $8,000 credit in Quebec. The new EV rebate programs raises several questions. Chief among them is whether or not the government should be subsidizing electric vehicles at all?

In response to COVID-19, governments across Canada and around the world have instituted various degrees of physical distancing restrictions. While these are essential to protecting public health and limit ultimate economic damage, they have led to a contraction of near-term economic activity.

Effective April 1, 2019 the Government of Canada will tax carbon emissions in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and New Brunswick. Ninety per cent of the revenue will be rebated directly to households. By 2022, the rebate to Saskatchewan households will average $1,400 annually.