1. Describe the common pool problem and summarize ways to address it
1. (Externalities) Complete each of the following sentences:
a. Resources for which periodic use can be continued indefinitely are known as resources.
b. Resources that are available only in a fixed amount are resources.
c. The possibility that a open-access resource is used until the net marginal value of additional use equals zero is known as the
2. (Resolving the Common-Pool Problem) Why have authorities found it so difficult to regulate the fishing catch in the open ocean to allow for a sustainable yield?
2. Determine the optimal level of pollution with fixed technology and with variable technology
3. (Negative Externalities) Suppose you wish to reduce a nega-tive externality by imposing a tax on the activity that creates that externality. When the amount of the externality produced per unit of output increases as output increases, the correct tax can be determined by using a demand-supply diagram; show this. Assume that the marginal private cost curve slopes upward.
Negative Externalitites: The Market for Electricity in the Midwest
4. (Negative Externalities) Review the situation illustrated in the graph above. If the government sets the price of electricity at the socially optimal level, why is the net gain equal to triangle abc, even though consumers now pay a higher price for electricity? What would the net gain be if the government set the price above the optimal level?
5. (External Costs) Use the data in the table below to answer the fol¬lowing questions.
a. What is the marginal external cost of production?
b. What level is produced if there is no regulation of the externality?
c. What level should be produced to achieve economic efficiency?
d. Calculate the dollar value of the net gain to society from cor-recting the externality.
|
Quantity
0
|
Marginal
Private Benefit
(demand)
|
Marginal
Private Cost
(supply)
$ 0
|
Marginal
Social
Cost
$ 0
|
|
1
|
$10
|
2
|
4
|
|
2
|
9
|
3
|
5
|
|
3
|
8
|
4
|
6
|
|
4
|
7
|
5
|
7
|
|
5
|
6
|
6
|
8
|
|
6
|
5
|
7
|
9
|
|
7
|
4
|
8
|
10
|
|
8
|
3
|
9
|
11
|
|
9
|
2
|
10
|
12
|
|
10
|
1
|
11
|
13
|
6. External Costs with Variable Technology) Think of an industry that pollutes the water and has access to variable technology for re-ducing that pollution. Graphically illustrate and explain the impact of each of the following, other things constant, on the optimal level of water quality:
a. New evidence is discovered about a greater risk of cancer from water pollution.
b. The cost of pollution-control equipment increases.
c. A technological improvement reduces the cost of pollution control.
7. (Market for Pollution Rights) The following graph shows the market for pollution rights.
a. If there are no restrictions on pollution, what amount is discharged?
b. What is the quantity supplied and the quantity demanded if the government restricts the amount of discharge to Q* but gives the permits away?
c. Where is market equilibrium if the government sells the per¬mits? Illustrate this on the graph.
d. What happens to market equilibrium if the gvernment reduces the amount of discharge permitted to Q"? Illustrate this on the graph.
3 Summarize how the federal government has regulated air, water, and land pollution
8. (Environmental Protection) Four federal laws and subsequent amend¬ments underpin U.S. environmental protection. Identify these laws.
4 Outline government policies designed to promote the production and consumption of goods that generate positive externalities
9. (Positive Externalities) The value of a home depends in part on how attractive other homes and yards in the neighborhood are. How do local zoning ordinances try to promote land uses that generate external benefits for neighbors?