Hidden Costs of Energy

摘要

The United States is heavily dependent on energy from sources such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas. Along with the benefits of these fossil fuels, however, are the negative effects on human health and the environment. When energy prices do not adequately reflect these hidden costs, consumers, companies, governments, and other decisionmakers may not recognize the full effects of their energy-related actions. The failure to account for those damages can penalize the welfare of many.rnThis article is based on a recent congressionally requested report from the National Research Council entitled "Hidden Costs of Energy: Unpriced Consequences of Energy Production and Use." The report estimates the monetary value of a wide range of energy-related burdens and resultant damages. It evaluates damages associated with energy production and consumption that have not been corrected through existing policies.