Naveen Hari

Within a regression discontinuity framework, we use quasi-random variation in close mixed gender election races to examine the causal relationship between the gender of legislators and the expansion of forest cover in India. We find that there is a 6% increase in annual forest cover growth in assembly constituencies following the election of a female politician. However, this outcome is only applicable to constituencies reserved for politicians from historically marginalized groups. When we consider the growth rate of forest cover over the course of the electoral cycle, a female legislator is found to have a positive and significant impact on the extension of forest cover, not only for reserved constituencies but also for all constituencies. Finally, we discuss how differences in preferences and awareness of constraints faced while coping with environmental adversities by legislator identity can potentially explain our findings. Our results highlight the importance of legislator identity in affecting environmental conservation policies in India.