Economic Evaluation of Air Pollution Damage and Control: Discussion

Uncertainty about physical and biological effects undermines the value of some economic analyses of the relative merits of air pollution abatement policies. It does not necessarily follow, though, that researchers should focus their efforts on the areas of greatest uncertainty without first determining which areas are most important for policy purposes. The author reviews concerns raised over the use of ex post rather than ex ante measures as decision criteria in cost benefit analysis. She argues that acid rain should be considered apart from general air pollution because of the political and regional problems associated with long-range transport. 9 references.