Consider a Situation in Which the Government Has Limited Information

Essay

Consider a situation in which the government has limited information about costs and benefits of pollution abatement associated with a given industry. However, it is known that the marginal social cost curve for emissions is much steeper than the marginal cost of abatement curve (in absolute terms). In this situation, which method of emissions control is preferable when the greatest concern is with accuracy of control rather than the cost of control? That is, should a fee be used or should a standard be used? Explain.