Maas, Alexander

September, 2026

By: Parajuli, Sanket; Maas, Alexander; Tejeda, Hernan A.
Plastic bag regulations aim to reduce plastic pollution, yet evidence on long-term behavioral responses remains limited beyond California. This study uses NielsenIQ retail scanner data (2010Ð2020) across 30 US counties to examine the generalizability and persistence of changes in consumer spending on unregulated plastic disposal bags. Using two-way fixed effects, Callaway and SantÕAnnaÕs staggered DID, and synthetic DID, we find that plastic bag regulations increase spending by 55%Ð68% for waste bags and 2%Ð11% for tall kitchen bags, while heavy-duty bags show no consistent change. Results hold under robustness checks that exclude California, include placebo treatments, and use alternative specifications.

September, 2022

By: Burton, Kati ; Maas, Alexander ; Lee, Katherine
This study quantifies the magnitude and spatial-temporal persistence of home value losses associated with a chemical spill in the Elk River using difference-in-difference, spatial regression techniques. Results suggest homes within 3 miles of the spill experienced a value loss, with the largest effect on homes within one mile of the spill. Homes beyond 3 miles experienced no significant effect. The loss in value affected prices for years after the contamination was remediated. Homes within the water utility service area experienced a significant increase in value following the spill, which may reflect public value of water quality monitoring by a utility.