U.S. Internal Migration, Energy Use, and Emissions

This paper studies internal migration patterns in the U.S. and the relationship between these migration patterns and household level energy use and carbon emissions. The paper uses a two-city model of energy use and migration to analyze emission implications from city level green policies. With recent policy emphasis on energy use and emissions, particularly with gasoline and natural gas, these policies have the potential for a rebound effect due to migration when prices increase in low-emission areas. The effect of total emissions can be increasing under such conditions.