Which objective of an ideal pollution control policy would involve the principle of continuing to reduce pollution by one more unit only as long as the value of the improved environmental quality is greater than the value of ordinary goods that are sacrificed?
A)achieving pollution reduction at least cost
B)motivating advances in abatement technology
C)achieving the efficient level of pollution
D)achieving a zero level of pollution

Question

Which objective of an ideal pollution control policy would involve the principle of continuing to reduce pollution by one more unit only as long as the value of the improved environmental quality is greater than the value of ordinary goods that are sacrificed?
A)​achieving pollution reduction at least cost
B)​motivating advances in abatement technology
C)​achieving the efficient level of pollution
D)​achieving a zero level of pollution

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This objective involves the concept of achieving the efficient level of pollution, which means reducing pollution until the marginal cost of pollution reduction equals the marginal benefit of environmental quality improvement. This involves weighing the value of improved environmental quality against the cost of sacrificing ordinary goods or economic activity. The objective of achieving a zero level of pollution or motivating advances in abatement technology may not necessarily take into account the cost-benefit analysis of reducing pollution. The objective of achieving pollution reduction at least cost is also related to efficiency but does not explicitly account for the value of the improved environmental quality.

Which Objective of an Ideal Pollution Control Policy Would Involve