Full Citation

Title: The Power of Hydroelectric Dams: Historical Evidence from the United States over the Twentieth Century

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2023

ISBN:

ISSN: 0013-0133

DOI: 10.1093/EJ/UEAC059

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PMID:

Abstract: This paper evaluates large-scale hydroelectric dams built in the United States during the twentieth century. Combining panel event-study designs and synthetic control methods, two results stand out. First, dams constructed pre-1950 spurred short-run local growth, in large part thanks to a ‘cheap-local-power advantage’, and resulted in remarkable long-run growth, more than doubling local population density after 50 years. Second, dams constructed post-1950 had only modest effects on growth. The first result indicates agglomerative impacts on local economic activity. The second result suggests that the cheap-local-power advantage created by hydropower attenuated after 1950, probably because of such innovations as high-tension transmission lines.

Url: https://academic.oup.com/ej/article/133/649/420/6693705

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Authors: Severnini, Edson; Alston, Lee; Bailey, Martha; Bleakley, Hoyt; Clay, Karen; Deza, Monica; Finan, Frederico; Friedman, Willa; Gerard, Francois; Goldin, Claudia; Haines, Michael; Kovak, Brian; Lewis, Joshua; Libecap, Gary; Madeira, Tarso; Mobarak, Mushfiq; Naritomi, Joana; Paredes, Valentina; Raphael, Steven; Romem, Issi; Serafinelli, Michel; Walker, Reed

Periodical (Full): The Economic Journal

Issue: 649

Volume: 133

Pages: 420-459

Data Collections: IPUMS NHGIS

Topics: Natural Resource Management

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