Read the Following Scenario and Answer the Question Below

question 40

Multiple Choice

Read the following scenario and answer the question below.
Burning fossil fuels and their derivatives produces, among other things, harmful pollutants such as particulates, acid rain
-producing sulfur and nitrogen oxides, and carbon oxides. These air pollutants threaten ecosystems all over the world, and high carbon dioxide levels contribute to global warming. Furthermore, fossils fuels have a limited supply. The market price of fossil fuels, especially crude oil, has continued to rise in recent years. Despite this, Americans continue to consume fossil fuels at alarming rates and rely upon them for most of energy needs. At various times, the federal government has considered mandating higher fuel efficiency standards for American vehicles as a possible solution to this environmental energy crisis. Most auto manufacturers, however, are opposed to the imposition of standards.
-Why would the consumption of fossils fuels remain high, despite high prices?

• A)nonrenewability of fossil fuels
• B)political unrest in the Middle East
• C)cultural preferences and resistance to change
• D)excessive supplies of fossil fuels
• E)bad weather

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Definitions:

Billion

A numerical value represented as 1,000 million in the American short scale, commonly used to denote a significant quantity in financial and demographic contexts.

Declined Steadily

A consistent decrease in quantity, quality, or value over a period of time.

American Children

Refers to children living in the United States, encompassing a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.

Welfare Rolls

A list or record of individuals and families who receive assistance from government welfare programs.