ATP-Funded Green Process Technologies: Improving U.S. Industrial Competitiveness with Applications in Packaging, Metals Recycling, Energy and Water Treatment. A Benefit-Cost Analysis

摘要

At its outset, the environmental movement targeted the reduction of harmful industrial emissions as an important and self-evident public benefit without assessing the burden of emissions reduction on industrial competitiveness. Over the years, U.S. environmentalism came to recognize the complex nature of linkages to industrial competitiveness. A new approach as a quest for green solutions aimed at reconciling environmental objectives with industrial competitiveness gradually evolved. Green initiatives were often fashioned around high-risk new technologies, relying on market price mechanisms to complement regulatory initiatives. These high-risk process technologies could be effective in protecting the environment and, at the same time, reducing manufacturing costs, improving energy security and the security of strategic materials, and enhancing industrial safety and product performance. To assess the economic impact of ATP-funded green process technologies, five technology projects were selected for study, spanning applications in food packaging, textiles, metals, durable goods, coal mining, natural gas production, and wastewater treatment. Two projects that have proceeded beyond initial commercialization were selected for detailed case studies, including quantitative analysis of benefits and costs. Brief mini-studies were conducted for three other ATP-funded green process technology projects. The two detailed case studies point to substantial public returns on ATP investments.