An Economic Analysis of the Costs of Air Pollution Abatement

Authors

Kevin J. Mumford, Brigham Young University
Dr. C Arden Pope III, Brigham Young University

Keywords

air pollution abatement, air pollution policy, air quality standards

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Economics

Abstract

Air pollution policy continues to be a cause of serious debate. Much of the confusion surrounding air pollution policy comes from leaders of industry and environmental groups’ appeals to ultimatums of disaster. Some leaders of industry argue that the entire American economy is at risk if more stringent air quality standards are imposed while some leaders of environmental groups argue that environmental and health disasters are unavoidable at our present level of pollution. Such arguments are not helpful to understanding the optimal level of air pollution abatement¹. The correct way to approach a policy of pollution control is not by stating that air pollution is morally “right or wrong.” We should approach the question as scientists with a desire to understand the costs and the benefits of air pollution abatement.

Recommended Citation

Mumford, Kevin J. and Pope, Dr. C Arden III (2014) "An Economic Analysis of the Costs of Air Pollution Abatement," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 184.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/184