Question

the chart shows a cost - benefit analysis

agency	# of rules	costs (billions)	benefits (billions)
dept. of health and human services (hhs)	19	$2.4 to $5.2	$16.6 to $40.2
epa	32	$30.4 to $36.5	$112.6 to $637.5

which most likely explains why the costs and benefits shown by the epa are higher than the other regulatory agencies?

• the epa legislates and enforces more regulations that reap greater benefits than the other agencies.
• the epa legislates and enforces food regulations that reap greater benefits than the other agencies.
• the epa has a larger budget than the other agencies, and its employees work longer hours.
• the epa is less efficient than the other agencies, and its employees spend more money.

Explanation:

• Analyze Option A: The EPA has 32 rules (more than USDA's 5 and Dept. of Health's 19), and its benefits range ($112.6 to $697.9 billion) is much higher than others. More regulations with greater benefits aligns with higher costs/benefits.
• Analyze Option B: EPA does not focus on food regulations (that's more USDA/Dept. of Health), so this is incorrect.
• Analyze Option C: The chart shows costs/benefits of regulations, not budget or work hours, so this is irrelevant.
• Analyze Option D: Higher costs/benefits don't imply inefficiency; the data shows high benefits, so this is wrong.

Answer:

A. The EPA legislates and enforces more regulations that reap greater benefits than the other agencies.