Erik Gawel

Intrinsische Motivation und umweltpolitische Instrumente

Abstract In the discussion on the rational choice model of individual behavior, a growing emphasis has recently been placed on the importance of intrinsic motivation. Contrary to assumptions made in the standard economic literature, it is suggested that an individuals motivation to act may not be exclusively determined by external influences (incentives, restrictions) and (given) personal preferences, but, in addition, depends on intrinsically anchored ethical preferences. Intrinsic motivation may diminish if parallel external incentives, such as rewards or orders, come into play: Insofar as external intervention weakens the corresponding intrinsic motivation to act, the (normal) effect of relative prices is opposed by a (countervailing) crowding-out effect of intrinsic motivation. The effect of (over-) crowding-out has been thematized especially in the context of environmental policy. It was suggested that subsidies may support intrinsic incentives whereas taxes and licences (especially though command-and-control measures) tend to undermine them. This paper critically analyzes the impact of intrinsic behavior considerations on the evaluation of environmental policy instruments. It is argued that, if at all, economists standard recommendations for policy design with respect to subsidies need not be revised even if intrinsic motivation plays any role for the agents environmental bevavior. Furthermore, command-and-control policy might rather support than weaken intrinsic motivation.

Zur Gerechtigkeit von Umweltabgaben Steuergleichheit und Leistungsfähigkeitsorientierung als Probleme von Ökosteuern

Abstract Environmental charges are often reproached for lacking distributive justice. The polluter-pays-principle as some kind of benefit taxation may therefore fulfill efficiency requirements, but can it, as a rule for taxation, be considered fair and just, too? However, constitutional law in Germany seems to make it essential for reasons of distributive justice that taxation, in general, obeys the ability-to-pay principle. For this reason, eco-taxes are partly condsidered even unconstitutional. The paper analyzes the crucial question whether green taxes can be compatible with equal sacrifice taxation and therefore may satisfy the constitutional law principle of equality in taxation.

Ökonomische Analyse von Genehmigungsverfahren im Umwelt- und Technikrecht / Economic Analysis of Application Procedures for Pollution Control Authorizations

Zusammenfassung Genehmigungsverfahren speziell im Umwelt- und Technikrecht werden seit langem wegen ihrer Aufwendigkeit und langen Dauer kritisiert. Die zahlreichen Vorschläge zur Verfahrensbeschleunigung sowie die aktuellen rechtspolitischen Vorstöße geben jedoch Anlaß zu der Frage, ob eine Reduzierung verwaltungsrechtlicher Präventivkontrolle ohne Qualitätseinbuße des Regulierungszweckes gelingt und ob einzelwirtschaftliche Vorteile schneller Genehmigungserteilung auch aus gesamtwirtschaftlicher Sicht Bestand haben können. Hierzu bietet der Beitrag methodische Vorüberlegungen, modelltheoretische Lösungsskizzen und erste verwaltungsrechtliche Implikationen. Summary For a long time, now, application procedures for pollution control authorizations are criticized with regard to their costs and required period. Just recently, it was suggested to create more flexibility in application procedures in order to allow an operator of an installation (as proposer) to obtain a certificate of authorization earlier but at a lower level of effectiveness, e.g. at a higher risk of following variation orders. The paper analyzes the economic structure of the application process of administrative law and evaluates the flexibility argument by pointing out some legal implications as well.