Are Carbon Markets Reshaping the US Electricity Industry?

Webcast: tiny.utk.edu/ZaragozaEE

To reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, many governments are experimenting with market-based policies that aim to regulate a mixture of local sources and emissions-intensive imports. Matthew Zaragoza-Watkins, assistant professor at Vanderbilt University, will discuss a study of California’s cap-and-trade program that included imported electricity and the programs impacts on emissions and output from fossil-fired power plants connected to the western electricity grid.

Zaragoza-Watkins will highlight key findings that have important implications for policymakers seeking to reduce emissions, mitigate emissions leakage, or accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources.

Zaragoza-Watkins is an assistant professor of Economics where he studies the design and performance of electricity, energy, and environmental markets. He previously worked as a senior economist at the Environmental Defense Fund and an air pollution specialist for the California Air Resources Board, where they implemented the AB 32 greenhouse gas cap-and-trade program. He has advised policymakers in India and China on emissions markets and greenhouse gas policy.