| Growth in the production of gas from shale reserves and increases in obesity rates over the past decade have catapulted energy and food policy discussion to the forefront. This dissertation analyzes three recently enacted or proposed energy and food policies. In the first essay, we consider the welfare effects of Pennsylvania's proposed natural gas severance tax. In the second essay, we explore how Colorado's candy tax has changed candy purchases. In the final essay, we explore the local public finance effects of both the shale gas boom and Pennsylvania's Natural Gas Impact Fee. |
