Question 13

Stricter regulations will not result in increased costs to industry for the production of goods made from recycled materials

The author assumes that implementing stricter government regulations will not lead to higher production costs for industries using recycled materials. This assumption is critical for advocating such regulations, as it suggests that industries can adopt recycled materials without facing financial burdens that could hinder their operations.

A) Stricter regulations will not result in increased costs to industry for the production of goods made from recycled materials

This option is correct because the author implies that the introduction of stricter regulations should encourage industries to use recycled materials without imposing additional financial strain. The rationale is that if costs were to rise significantly, industries might resist compliance, undermining the goal of increasing the use of recycled products.

B) Stricter regulations will not result in increased prices paid by the consumer for goods that are made from recycled materials

This option is incorrect because the author does not directly address consumer pricing in relation to stricter regulations. While the author focuses on industry costs, consumer prices can be influenced by various factors, including production costs, and an assumption that these prices would remain stable is not explicitly made.

C) Increased demand by industry for recycled materials will lower demand for nonrecycled materials

This option is also incorrect as the author does not directly state that increased demand for recycled materials will lead to a decrease in demand for nonrecycled materials. While it may be a logical inference, it is not a necessary assumption for the argument regarding stricter regulations.

D) Consumer demand for products made from recycled materials will increase as the availability of such products increases

This option is incorrect because, while increased availability may lead to higher consumer demand, the author does not assume this relationship in advocating for stricter regulations. The focus is primarily on the industry's response to regulatory changes rather than direct consumer behavior.

E) The government will not pass legislation that prohibits MRFs from raising the prices of recycled materials

This option is irrelevant to the author's argument. The discussion centers on the need for stricter regulations to encourage the use of recycled materials, and there is no indication that the author assumes the government will refrain from regulating MRF pricing.

Conclusion

The correct answer, A, is supported by the author's advocacy for stricter regulations, which hinges on the assumption that such measures will not incur additional costs for industries using recycled materials. All other options either misinterpret the author's position or introduce assumptions not present in the text. Thus, A is the only inference that aligns with the author's argument for increased use of recycled materials through regulation.