We measure the effect of coal resource sector dependence on long run income growth using the natural experiment of coal mining in 409 U.S. counties that are selected for homogeneity. Using a panel data set (1970-2010), we find a one standard deviation increase in resource dependence is...

Understanding international differences in the emissions intensity of trade and production is essential to understanding the effects of greenhouse gas limitation policies. We develop data on emissions from 41 industrial sectors in 39 countries and estimate the CO2 emissions intensity of...

I investigate the determinants of the hazard rates of both starting and quitting the cigarette smoking habit. The model is an ordered probit split-sample duration model with lagged duration dependence and time-varying covariates (cigarette price and regulation). Duration of the smoking habit is...

We discuss specification of regression models for using migration data to infer the living standards of different regions, and for observing how much of the standard of living is determined by income opportunities versus non-pecuniary amenities. We estimate a regression using Canadian data from...

The Appalachian Regional Commission’s definition of the Appalachian region is the one used most often by researchers, politicians, and the popular press. The uncritical use of this definition of Appalachia raises issues of both selection bias and excess heterogeneity in regression analysis of...

We measure the effect of resource sector dependence on long run income growth using the natural experiment of variation in coal endowments in a set of 409 relatively U.S. counties selected for homogeneity. Using a panel data set that extends over two separate boom and bust cycles (1970-2010), we...

There is an ongoing literature in economics examining the deterrent effect of police officers on criminal activity. However, this literature tends to focus on the aggregate number of officers employed versus the relative allocation of an officer's time. In this paper, we examine how the...