The biggest tab the public picks up for fossil fuels has to do with what economists call 'external costs,' like the health effects of air and water pollution.

Summary

This quote highlights the significant financial burden placed on the public due to the negative external costs associated with fossil fuels. These costs, such as the adverse health impacts caused by pollution from burning fossil fuels, are generally not directly accounted for in the market price of these energy sources. Therefore, the public, rather than the fossil fuel industry, bears the expenses related to healthcare and environmental remediation necessitated by these external costs. This highlights the need for a better understanding and consideration of the full costs associated with fossil fuel consumption.

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