Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

EPA Cuts the Value of a Life by $1M

Statistical trim makes life-saving regulation harder to justify

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 11, 2008 4:13 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Environmental Protection Agency has quietly reduced the hypothetical value of a human life by almost a million dollars to $6.9 million, reports the AP. The figure is used in cost benefit analyses to weigh the life-saving potential of environmental protection policies. Placing a lower value on human life could be used to justify avoiding costly regulations.

Critics charge that the Bush administration has manipulated the numbers to dodge environmental protections. "It appears that they're cooking the books in regard to the value of life," says the director a group which represents local air pollution regulators. "Those decisions are literally a matter of life and death." An EPA official says the adjustment was  based on better economic studies reflecting consumer preferences. "It's our best estimate of what consumers are willing to pay to reduce similar risks to their own lives."

The Four Corners Power Plant near Fruitland, New Mexico routinely ranks No. 1 on dirty-power lists compiled  from emissions reports to the EPA.
The Four Corners Power Plant near Fruitland, New Mexico routinely ranks No. 1 on dirty-power lists compiled from emissions reports to the EPA.   (AP Photo/Paul Foy)
An EPA Hazmat Team at an environmental emergency. The agency has reportedly lowered the value of a human life for statistical purposes.
An EPA Hazmat Team at an environmental emergency. The agency has reportedly lowered the value of a human life for statistical purposes.   (Getty Images)
Emergency workers at an environmental emergency. The EPA has reportedly lowered the value of a human life for statistical purposes.
Emergency workers at an environmental emergency. The EPA has reportedly lowered the value of a human life for statistical purposes.   (Getty Images)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

EPA Ignores Advisers on Pollution Cap


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne