In: Economics
Imagine the U.S. Congress is considering legislation that will ban MTBE, a substance added to gasoline to reduce emissions. This legislation was proposed due to complaints from citizens and interest groups who believe MTBE is a health threat. In a well-written paragraph, analyze whether the benefits of creating this ban are worth the costs. Use examples from the module to support your answer.
The above situation is a trade-off between keeping environment safe versus citizens' perception.
MTBE is a substance which is added with gasoline helps reducing the pollution. It normally producers the emission of burned hydrocarbon which is very harmful for human health. When we breathe this hydrocarbons enters into our lungs and become the the reason for lung cancer. So having MTBE in gasoline is very helpful for environment.
Now comes to the the citizens' complaint. People use to complain against it because of for sometimes when there is any leakage in gasoline pipe, these instances of MTBE mixes with water intense the taste of water becomes some sort of unpleasant. As far as scientists opinion is concerned, there is not a search other harmful effects of MTBE for human other than the previous one which is discussed.
So to address the trade off US government should consider that citizens may not be aware of the fact why MTBE is using in gasoline. So they should decide it on broader prospect.