RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 A Watershed Moment
JF Journal of Human Resources
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 1915
OP 1936
DO 10.3368/jhr.0622-12369R2
VO 60
IS 6
A1 Flynn, Patrick
A1 Marcus, Michelle
YR 2025
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/60/6/1915.abstract
AB The Clean Water Act (CWA) significantly improved surface water quality, but at a cost exceeding the estimated benefits. We quantify the effect of the CWA on a direct measure of health. Using a difference-in-differences framework, we compare birth weight upstream and downstream from wastewater treatment facilities before and after CWA grant receipt. Pollution only decreased downstream from facilities required to upgrade their treatment technology, and we leverage this additional variation with a triple difference. Clean Water Act grants increased average birth weight by 8 grams.