Evaluating the effectiveness of air quality regulations: A review of accountability studies and frameworks

Abstract

The field of air pollution accountability continues to grow in importance to a number of stakeholders. Two frameworks, the classical accountability chain and direct accountability, have been used to estimate impacts of regulatory actions, and both require careful attention to confounders and uncertainties. Researchers should continue to develop and evaluate both methods as they investigate current and future air pollution regulations.

The co-pollutant cost of carbon emissions: an analysis of the US electric power generation sector

“…The air quality externalities resulting from co-pollutant emissions have been studied from both an aggregate social cost perspective (Nemet et al 2010, Thompson et al 2014, Driscoll et al 2015 and an accountability viewpoint at the power plant level (Buonocore et al 2014, Henneman et al 2017, Henneman et al 2019. Recent research on the co-benefits (i.e.…”

Tackling the health burden of air pollution in South Asia

“…Details on the methods for exposure estimation are described elsewhere. 29 30 We do not know of any other study that provides national level estimates for the purpose of comparison across different countries. In this context, we acknowledge the need to strengthen the local evidence base by conducting more direct epidemiological studies on the health effects of ambient and household air pollution which would accord greater confidence to the burden estimates.…”

“…There is no coherent strategy, however, with defined targets for air quality and regular monitoring to understand the impact of these measures. 29 Political will and effective governance are central to tackling the problem.…”

Addressing Pollution‐Related Global Environmental Health Burdens

“…Adoption of protective environmental regulations at the national and international levels has resulted in positive environmental change and protected human health. Indeed, this is the underpinning of the enormous improvements in health and longevity that have been enjoyed by many of the upper‐middle and upper‐income countries (e.g., Henneman et al, ). For example, national legislation in the United States that removed the harmful toxicant lead from gasoline resulted in an immediate and continued decline in blood lead levels of children (Annest et al, ), and the avoidance of substantial lifetime economic losses (Gould, ) and associated health problems.…”