Is Federal Involvement in Inspection and Maintenance Programs Needed for Efficient Outcomes?
This study examined the considerations that affect which level of government is most likely to make decisions that bring about maximum net benefits to society. One such consideration is whether governments try to achieve maximum welfare for their constituents and have the capabilities (adequate resources and technical expertise) to carry out appropriate decisions. Assessing the objectives and capabilities of different levels of government is an arduous task. To shed more light on that consideration, this study examined government objectives and capabilities in choosing control measures in the context of inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) position on the need for I/M indicates that the agency assesses those programs as being cost-effective. If all levels of government try to improve to the utmost the welfare of their constituents and have appropriate capabilities to do so, then the reluctance of the states to carry out those programs
