[richk449]

Here’s a definition of cost benefit analysis:

A cost-benefit analysis is the process of comparing the projected or estimated costs and benefits (or opportunities) associated with a project decision to determine whether it makes sense from a business perspective.

Generally speaking, cost-benefit analysis involves tallying up all costs of a project or decision and subtracting that amount from the total projected benefits of the project or decision. (Sometimes, this value is represented as a ratio.)

That is simply not the same as applying a tax or surcharge to something to internalize an externality.

[dahart]

I agree with that; you’re just not thinking all the way through what it means to do what you suggested, assign a cost to a scarce environmental resource in order to avoid the kind of negative future consequences we’re discussing here. In this context, the premise behind assigning such a cost requires a cost benefit analysis.

[richk449]

No, assigning a cost requires evaluating the cost. It doesn’t require evaluation of the benefits.

[dahart]

Hehe, then you can’t possibly claim a mild price increase is mildly helpful.

[richk449]

Truly, you have a dizzying intellect.