nep-tre New Economics Papers
on Transport Economics
Issue of 2024‒04‒29
five papers chosen by
Erik Teodoor Verhoef, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam


  1. Design Insights for Industrial CO2 Capture, Transport, and Storage Systems By Tubagus Aryandi Gunawan; Lilianna Gittoes; Cecelia Isaac; Chris Greig; Eric Larson
  2. A scoping review of the design and characteristics of e-bike financial incentives By Nosratzadeh, Hossein; Bhowmick, Debjit; Carmona, Ana Belén Ríos; Thompson, Jason; Thai, Thao; Pearson, Lauren; Beck, Ben
  3. Layers of injustice: A distributional assessment of toxic chemical facilities, releases, and cleanups By Sarah Brodin; Dennis Guignet
  4. Meatpacking Concentration: Implications for Supply Chain Performance By López, Rigoberto A.; Seoane, Luis
  5. The Labor Effects of Work from Home on Workers with a Disability By Cassandra Marks; Hannah Rubinton

  1. By: Tubagus Aryandi Gunawan; Lilianna Gittoes; Cecelia Isaac; Chris Greig; Eric Larson
    Abstract: We present design methods and insights for CO2 capture, transport, and storage systems for clusters of industrial facilities, with a case-study focus on the state of Louisiana. Our analytical framework includes: (1) evaluating the scale and concentration of capturable CO2 emissions at individual facilities for the purpose of estimating the cost of CO2 capture retrofits, (2) a screening method to identify potential CO2 storage sites and estimate their storage capacities, injectivities, and costs; and (3) an approach for cost-minimized design of pipeline infrastructure connecting CO2 capture plants with storage sites that considers land use patterns, existing rights-of-way, demographics, and a variety of social and environmental justice factors. In applying our framework to Louisiana, we estimate up to 50 million tCO2/y of industrial emissions (out of today's total emissions of 130 MtCO2/y) can be captured at under 100 USD/tCO2, and up to 100 MtCO2/y at under 120 USD/tCO2. We identified 98 potential storage sites with estimated aggregate total injectivity between 330 and 730 MtCO2/yr and storage costs ranging from 8 to 17 USD/tCO2. We find dramatic reductions in the aggregate pipeline length and CO2 transport cost per tonne when groups of capture plants share pipeline infrastructure rather than build dedicated single-user pipelines. Smaller facilities (emitting less than 1 MtCO2/y), which account for a quarter of Louisiana's industrial emissions, see the largest transport cost benefits from sharing of infrastructure. Pipeline routes designed to avoid disadvantaged communities (social and environmental justice) so as not to reinforce historical practices of disenfranchisement involve only modestly higher pipeline lengths and costs.
    Date: 2024–03
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2403.17162&r=tre
  2. By: Nosratzadeh, Hossein; Bhowmick, Debjit; Carmona, Ana Belén Ríos; Thompson, Jason; Thai, Thao; Pearson, Lauren; Beck, Ben
    Abstract: E-bikes are recognized as a sustainable mode of transportation with an unmet potential for widespread adoption. However, despite a decade of global implementation, research gaps persist regarding the design and characteristics of incentive programs for e-bikes. This review examines different design elements of implemented financial incentive programs for e-bike uptake in OECD countries. The findings reveal three main components common to these schemes: (1) target cohort, with the majority of programs focusing on the local population; (2) eligible e-bike types, with regular e-bikes being the most frequently chosen; and (3) financial incentive structures aimed at maximizing uptake among the target cohort, with post-purchase rebates being the most prevalent. Another significant aspect identified is the allocation process, predominantly following a "first come, first served" structure. However, prioritizing project goals and promoting equity is recommended for optimal program design. The array of structures and designs in these schemes highlights challenges in determining optimal designs, constrained by limited evidence informing transport policies. This review synthesizes global insights on designing financial incentive schemes to boost e-bike uptake, providing a comprehensive guide for policy making and program administrators in designing executive programs.
    Date: 2024–04–05
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:osfxxx:5xgch&r=tre
  3. By: Sarah Brodin; Dennis Guignet
    Abstract: The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) is a cornerstone of environmental policy in the United States. The law regulates the generation, transportation, storage, and disposal of hazardous chemicals. Unfortunately, hazardous releases are known to occur due to flawed equipment, human error, and dated historical practices. Releases are investigated and remediated through what is collectively known as a Corrective Action (CA). Using Census data and a novel dataset of RCRA facilities across the contiguous US, we examine the possibility of systematic inequities with regards to the (i) siting of RCRA facilities, (ii) occurrence of releases and CAs, (iii) duration of CAs, and (iv) permanence of remediation methods. We find evidence of disproportionate impacts across racial, ethnic, and income dimensions. The results vary, however, depending on the different aspects of the siting and cleanup process, thus emphasizing the need for multi-layered analyses to identify and fully understand potential inequities associated with environmental programs. Key Words: chemical, cleanup, environmental justice, equity, hazardous waste, RCRA
    JEL: D63 Q53 Q56
    Date: 2024
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:apl:wpaper:24-13&r=tre
  4. By: López, Rigoberto A.; Seoane, Luis
    Abstract: The meatpacking industry is a crucial intermediary between ranchers and the downstream supply chain, and concentration within the industry has significant implications for stakeholders in terms of competition and transmission of efficiencies. Due to constraints on the efficient transportation of live animals over long distances, ranchers primarily operate within regional markets. In this paper we provide new knowledge about the degree of regional concentration in the beef packing industry and propose a model to examine its impact on the wholesale farm-price spread. Findings indicate a significant increase in concentration across all regions, with some regions experiencing up to a 300 percent rise in the Herfindahl index, although concentration levels vary considerably among the different regions.
    Keywords: Livestock Production/Industries
    Date: 2024–04
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea22:341195&r=tre
  5. By: Cassandra Marks; Hannah Rubinton
    Abstract: Work from home appears to have improved labor outcomes for workers with a disability in terms of unemployment, labor force participation, and wages and hours worked.
    Keywords: workers with a disability; unemployment; labor force participation; wages; hours worked
    Date: 2024–02–27
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fip:l00001:97886&r=tre

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