Green Market Geography: The Spatial Clustering of Hybrid Vehicles and LEED Registered Buildings

Matthew E. Kahn, UCLA and NBER
Ryan K. Vaughn, UCLA

Abstract

This paper uses zip code level data to investigate the spatial distribution of two major "green" products. Using data from California, we document where hybrid vehicles cluster within the state. Using data for the entire nation, we study where LEED registered buildings cluster. By creating a novel measure of community environmentalism based on revealed preference political data, we document that green products cluster in environmentalist communities.