ABSTRACT
In Poland, a lively discussion has taken place over emissions standards and the role of alternative instruments for the control of air pollution. Polish environmental policy has moved toward reliance on both command-and-control and economic instruments. The air quality monitoring system in Krakow has been greatly enhanced since 1991, when a new monitoring system was introduced that allows for continuous monitoring of air quality. The chapter shows the effects of different policy scenarios on the level of emissions and on the concentration of pollutants in the Krakow area. It provides the results of the policy analysis and modelling to identify the resource costs involved in the policies and the financial consequences of the taxes that accrue. Economic measures can help societies achieve given environmental objectives at lower total cost than regulatory approaches by permitting polluters greater flexibility in their responses and by providing impetus for technological changes.
