In one state, West County and East County share a border. The state capital is in East County. Many residents of West County (al
most half of all adults in the county) commute to East County for work. East County has high levels of air pollution, and residents there must get their car exhaust systems tested every two years. Although West County has less air pollution than East, the pollution levels in West are rising. The state Department of Environmental Regulation orders that residents of West County must now get their car exhaust systems tested every two years as well. What moral standard best explains this decision by the Department of Environmental Regulation?
John Stuart Mill's principle of utility ascertains that the rules of action are measured by their effect on the total happiness.
Due to pollution levels in West County are rising, the Department of Environmental Regulation order to get their car exhaust systems tested every two years looks up for an effect on the total happiness of the region, not only on the happiness in one county or another.
