Answer:
$20,670
Step-by-step explanation:
Firm A Firm B
Actual Dumping 157 183
Pollution Permits Allotted 11 11
Reduction Required 146 172
Cost of Dumping 1 ton $160 $65
As the cost of dumping to Firm A is $160 which is higher than the marginal cost of dumping of Firm B which is $65, so it is better that Firm B take benefit from it by selling it at $65. So now total tons require dumping is 318 tons (146 + 172).
Total cost of reducing pollution = 318 tons * $65 = $20,670