Consider the following two-period extraction problem (assuming a zero discount rate): Supply (marginal cost of extraction) in each year: MC1 = MC2 = 5 Demand each year: MB1 = 15 - Q1 MB2 = 15 - Q2 Total supply of the resource: 12
1) What quantities and prices solve the dynamic efficiency problem, considering both time periods?
2) Suppose government adds a tax of $10 for each unit of the resource produced, starting in time period 2. Solve for the new prices and quantities in each time period.
3) Explain in a sentence why this is an example of the green paradox.
4) By how much does the tax policy reduce the scarcity rent (also called “marginal user cost”)?