Community Heterogeneity and Revealed Preferences for Environmental Goods

Objectives: This paper studies the links between community heterogeneity and the public provision of environmental goods. Methods: This paper examines 2000 referenda data from California. The models include socio-demographic characteristics, ideology, voter turnout, and measures of racial and educational homogeneity. Results: More heterogeneity is correlated with lower support for environmental initiatives. Whites and Hispanics are more likely to support environmental initiatives as the shares of their groups increase. As homogeneity among AfricanAmericans increases, support increases at a decreasing rate. Conclusions: Within-group homogeneity might lead to greater coordination and overcoming of structural barriers that inhibit participation of minorities in the political process.