Environmental Economics

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Government agencies often evaluate the costs and benefits of new regulatory proposals. Careful cost-benefit or cost-effectiveness analysis is crucial to designing efficient and effective regulations related to the environment, health, safety, and other issues. Economic analysis also provides a valuable tool to companies and trade associations seeking to participate in the process of developing new regulations.

NERA has extensive experience in performing cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analyses for both the public and private sectors. In addition to air quality and water quality, our areas of experience include biofuels, chemicals, hazardous waste, sprinklers, flood protection, hard rock mining, and occupational health and safety, as well as the overall costs and benefits of a range of proposed climate change policies and other regulations. We have performed studies for businesses anticipating potential regulation, and we have submitted detailed comments to government agencies on regulatory proposals. In many cases these efforts have led to changes in regulatory approach. NERA has presented analysis results to government agencies, including the US Office of Management and Budget, the US EPA, and the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change, as well as to courts, the media, and the general public.

With our academic qualifications and regulatory expertise, NERA has the credibility to perform and assess cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analyses for government and business on a wide range of issues. The models and analytical tools we frequently apply in this area include economic impacts models and non-market valuation techniques.