Research Insights: What Role Does Trust in Government Play in Support for Public Policies to Improve Air Pollution?

Abstract

Trust in government and the perceived quality of public services are positively correlated with support for an additional tax to improve air quality. Trust in government and the perceived quality of public services are positively correlated with a preference for government retention of revenue from fees collected from polluting firms as opposed to distribution of revenue directly to citizens. Trust in government and the perceived quality of public services are not significantly correlated with citizens preferences on the allocation of those revenues between public spending and private goods.