An Assessment of Environmental Effects of the 2005 Mexican Automotive Decree

Abstract

The authors examine the environmental effects of Mexican President Vicente Fox's 2005 Automotive Decree which allows the importation of 10- to 15-year-old used vehicles to Mexico. The authors focus on the air pollution effects in Mexican border-states resulting from the increased vehicle flow and discuss whether the decree is a net benefit or detriment to the environment. Based on their findings, the authors recommend policy options to decrease vehicle emissions in the border region.