The impact of renewable portfolio standards and land-use governance on CO2 and gross total emissions in four U.S. regions

Abstract

This study's findings underscore the significant role of policies such as renewable portfolio standards (RPS) and court land-use decisions (CLD) in promoting environmental quality. The study, conducted between 2000 and 2021 in four US regions—Northeast, Midwest, West, and South—using the FGLS and PCSE methods, reveals that RPS and CLD are instrumental in reducing CO2 and gross total emissions (GTE). However, their effectiveness varies across regions. The Midwest, West, and South regions showed statistically significant improvements after implementing the RPS. The impact of land-use court decisions in the Northeast and Midwest states is statistically nonsignificant. RPS and CLD effectively decrease GTE in the Western and Southern states. The study also highlights the adverse effects of energy intensity and economic growth on the environment in all regions. However, it strongly emphasizes that clean energy sources like hydropower are critical in mitigating emissions. To achieve environmental sustainability and emissions reduction goals across the US, the study suggests a nuanced policy approach that prioritizes strengthening renewable and sustainable energy initiatives such as RPS, improving land utilization regulations, and promoting clean energy practices. It concludes that significant progress can be made towards these goals by adopting region-specific strategies and enhancing policy instruments like RPS and CLD.