The argument that the marginal abatement costs of existing plants are higher than those of new plants used as a justification for more restrictive emission standards for the former than for the latter is known as ________.
A)cost-effectiveness
B)new-source bias
C)old-source bias
D)the non-degradation dilemma

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The argument is known as "new-source bias," which suggests that newer plants are subject to less stringent emission standards than older, existing plants because it is assumed that it's more costly for existing plants to reduce emissions. This can lead to a regulatory environment that inadvertently favors the creation of new sources over the upgrading or maintenance of older ones, potentially leading to inefficiencies in how emission reductions are achieved across an industry.

The Argument That the Marginal Abatement Costs of Existing Plants