From the Chapter: The Air We Breathe: Chemistry in Context 1994 Ed.

1.10 Consider This:

"The Clean Air Act Ammendments were signed into law by President Bush in 1990. This legislatin gives the federal government extended powers to impose costly technological pollution crotrols on industry to help restore a higher level of air quality. The legislation is not without controversy, however. Senator Steve Symms (R-Idaho) believes the legislation is "so costly that is probably will do more damage to the economy that the good it may do for the air." Senate Majority Leader George Mitchel (D-Maine) thakes the opposite position. "There are great costs to do nothing. ,,,No single factor is as critical to our future as the health of the American people. And no single factor potentially undermines the health of every American more than the quality of the air we breathe."

There are costs assocated with implementing this legislation and costs associated with not implementing it. Identify some of these costs. Which are you willing to pay and which are you not willing to pay?"