Cost-Benefit Analysis Can Be Useful in Assessing Environmental Regulations, Despite Limitations

摘要

Cost-benefit analysis, although imprecise, is a useful tool for estimating the costs and benefits of various regulatory actions. Its role may become increasingly critical because complying with federal environmental regulations could mean billions of dollars in costs and benefits. GAO makes specific recommendations to overcome the non-legal problems and enhance the usefulness of cost-benefit analyses involving environmental regulations. GAO also provides suggestions for congressional consideration pertaining to the legal restrictions.