Read the passage and answer the question:
"The rebound effect (Jevons paradox) complicates energy efficiency initiatives. When technological improvements reduce the fuel required to power passenger vehicles, the marginal cost of driving decreases. Consequently, consumers drive significantly more miles, partially or wholly offsetting the anticipated reduction in net fuel consumption."
According to the passage, why does the rebound effect undermine fuel efficiency gains?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. cheaper driving costs induce consumers to travel significantly more miles
- Step 1: Trace the paradox outlined: efficiency lowers the cost of driving per mile, which encourages consumers to drive more ('consumers drive significantly more miles, partially or wholly offsetting the anticipated reduction in net fuel consumption').
- Step 2: Lower operational costs stimulate higher overall consumption.
Answer
cheaper driving costs induce consumers to travel significantly more miles.
Why not the others: 'fuel-efficient vehicles break down more frequently, requiring new manufacturing' is an unsupported negative assertion; 'gasoline refineries artificially raise petroleum prices to compensate for losses' is not the mechanism described; 'governments legally restrict motorists from purchasing fuel-efficient cars' contradicts state incentives for efficiency.
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