Some coal is mined by private companies on land owned by the federal government. Two economists writing in an opinion column argue, "The federal government should also take into account the economic consequences of burning coal when pricing this fuel. The price for taxpayer owned coal should reflect, in some measure, the added costs associated with the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions."
a. What do these economists mean by "the added costs associated with the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions"?
b. Do you agree that the price the federal government charges the coal companies should include this cost? Briefly explain.