Consider a static model of flow pollution. The pollution damage D as a
function of the level of emissions M is 𝐷(𝑀) = 𝑀2
and the pollution benefits
B as a function of the level of emissions M are 𝐵(𝑀) = 52𝑀 − 𝑀2
.
(a) [5 marks] Draw the marginal benefit and marginal damage function on a
diagram.
(b) [10 marks] Calculate the unregulated level of emissions MU
, the efficient
level of emissions M*, and the emission tax μ* that would induce firms to
produce M* units of emissions. Show them on the diagram and explain your
reasoning.
(c) [5 marks] Calculate the level of net loss to the firm caused by the emission
tax that guarantees the level of abatement (MU
- M*
). Illustrate this loss on the
diagram drawn in part (b) and explain what this loss consists of.
(d) [5 marks] Calculate the value of the total benefits, damages, and net benefits
at the efficient level of emissions M*.
(e) [10 marks] The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) overestimates the
marginal benefits from emissions and believes that they are B′(M)=60-2M.
Calculate the level of emissions 𝑀̂ that the EPA will believe to be efficient,
given the incorrect information about marginal benefits.
(f) [10 marks] Calculate the emission tax μ that the EPA will impose, if it
believes that B’(M)=60-2M, to achieve emission target 𝑀̂. Illustrate on a
diagram.
(g) [5 marks] Calculate the actual emission level and the welfare loss due to the
fact that the EPA has overestimated marginal benefits from emissions.