3. The effect of negative externalities on the optimal quantity of consumption Consider the market for paper. Suppose that a paper factory dumps toxic waste into a nearby river, creating a negative externality for those living downstream from the factory. Producing an additional ton of paper imposes a constant marginal external cost (MEC) of $525 per ton. The following graph shows the demand (marginal private benefits, or MPB) curve and the supply (marginal private costs, or MPC) curve for paper. Use the purple points (diamond symbol) to plot the marginal social costs (MSC) curve when the marginal external cost is $525 per ton. (?) PRICE (Dollars per ton of paper) 1500 1350 1200 1050 900 750 600 450 300 150 0 0 O 1 O 2 O 0 3 4 5 QUANTITY (Tons of paper) The market equilibrium quantity is O 10 6 Supply (MPC) Demand (MPB) 7 MSC tons of paper, but the socially optimal quantity of paper production is To create an incentive for the firm to produce the socially optimal quantity of paper, the government could impose a of paper. tons. per ton

3. The effect of negative externalities on the optimal quantity of consumption Consider the market for paper. Suppose that a paper factory dumps toxic waste into a nearby river, creating a negative externality for those living downstream from the factory. Producing an additional ton of paper imposes a constant marginal external cost (MEC) of $525 per ton. The following graph shows the demand (marginal private benefits, or MPB) curve and the supply (marginal private costs, or MPC) curve for paper. Use the purple points (diamond symbol) to plot the marginal social costs (MSC) curve when the marginal external cost is $525 per ton. (?) PRICE (Dollars per ton of paper) 1500 1350 1200 1050 900 750 600 450 300 150 0 0 O 1 O 2 O 0 3 4 5 QUANTITY (Tons of paper) The market equilibrium quantity is O 10 6 Supply (MPC) Demand (MPB) 7 MSC tons of paper, but the socially optimal quantity of paper production is To create an incentive for the firm to produce the socially optimal quantity of paper, the government could impose a of paper. tons. per ton

ECON MICRO

5th Edition

ISBN:9781337000536

Author:William A. McEachern

Publisher:William A. McEachern

Chapter17: Externalities And The Environment

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 2.3P: (Negative Externalities) Suppose you wish to reduce a negative externality by imposing a tax on the...

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