The Impact of Experiments on Environmental and Natural Resource Policy

Review of Environmental Economics and Policy 2026

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Authors: Christian A. Vossler, Timothy N. Cason, James J. Murphy, Paul J. Ferraro, Todd L. Cherry, George Loewenstein, Peter Martinsson, Jason F. Shogren, Leaf Van Boven, Daan van Soest
DOI: 10.1086/741736
Cited by: 1
References: 72

Abstract

Experiments are sometimes viewed as being too limited to provide input into policy. Contrary to this perspective, we document diverse ways in which experimental findings have influenced environmental and natural resource policy decisions. We show how experiments have informed or changed the designs of emissions trading programs, conservation auctions, pro-environmental initiatives directed at households, and regulatory enforcement and compliance schemes. Experiments have also produced nonmarket demand estimates that have informed government regulatory analyses. We highlight the context and conditions that produced these experiment-policy links and offer insights into how researchers can better engage with the policy-making process and increase the impact of experimental research on policy.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Climate Change Policy and Economics Auction Theory and Applications Experimental Behavioral Economics Studies

Publication details

Journal / source
Review of Environmental Economics and Policy
Publisher
University of Chicago Press
Volume
20
Issue
2
Pages
174–193
Publication date
1 June 2026
Language
EN