Question

Current news and politics is full of concern about the environment, particularly as it is related to oil use and the auto industry. There are a number of ethical considerations that arise out of these issues. Please be sure to answer ALL of the following questions: Some propose that these concerns could be alleviated if our use of cars was limited by increased gasoline taxes--if gas is more expensive, we will use less of it and, as a beneficial by-product, improve the environment. What do you think of this proposal and what theory would support your position? Are there injustices built into such measures?

Answer 1

Answer:

It is true that raising gasoline prices (either by producing less of it, or by adding taxes) would reduce gasoline use. The concept of price elasticity of demand can helps us explain why.

Explanation:

A good can be either elastic or inelastic depending on its price elasticity of demand. A price elasticity of demand of less than 1 is considered inelastic, while a price elasticity of demand higher than 1 is considered elastic.

Elastic goods are those whose quantity demanded falls or rises more than the price. Inelastic goods are those whose quantity demanded falls or rises less than the price.

Gasoline is a inelastic good in the short-term because even with a price hike, most people will still buy gasoline because they need to move around. However, in the long-term, gasoline becomes more elastic because people replace their buy electric cars, or cars that use less fuel, etc.

What this tells us is that raising gasoline prices can reduce gasoline use in the long-term.

A built-in injustice in this measure is that it affects the poor disproportionally. Poor people also need cars to get around, and a rise in the gasoline price means that they have less money for other basic needs.