Application of benefit-cost analysis (BCA) to evaluate environmental regulations

Abstract

Based on extensive review of the literature, this paper tries to generalize the application of BCA in environmental regulations. Specifically, this study talks about the practice of Benefit-cost analysis (BCA) in governments of such developed countries as USA, UK and EU, steps to conduct BCA in policy-making, strengths and limitations of its application in policy area. Evaluation of non-market impacts and social discount rate, are thoroughly discussed. Some suggestions are summarized for better application of BCA in regulatory choice.