Pollution control efforts are justified whenever the marginal social benefits
A) exceed the total benefits to society.
B) are less than the average social costs.
C) are rising and costs are falling.
D) can be shown to be attainable.
E) exceed the marginal social costs.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pollution control efforts should be undertaken when the marginal social benefits (MSB) of controlling pollution exceed the marginal social costs (MSC). This is because the MSB represents the extra benefits to society that result from reducing pollution, whereas the MSC represents the additional costs that society must bear to achieve that reduction. When the MSB exceed the MSC, it means that society as a whole will be better off if pollution control efforts are undertaken.

Pollution Control Efforts Are Justified Whenever the Marginal Social Benefits