Ranking state environmental outputs: Evidence from panel data

This paper uses state-level pollution data from 1986-1997 to construct two indices that rank U.S. states according to environmental outputs. A major f inding is that marginal performers in other indices, such as Wyoming, garne r top spots in these ranking systems. The paper also presents findings from fixed and random effects models of panel data that imply state income leve ls are positively associated with environmental outputs after a threshold l evel of income is obtained.