The a priori that regulation reduces cost is a good one, but neither of you are compelling because the question has to include a time horizon with respect to re

The a priori that regulation reduces cost is a good one, but neither of you are compelling because the question has to include a time horizon with respect to resource consumption and other factors otherwise regulation reduces cost would be true only so much as a meaningless technicality. Similar to what you said I find it’s disappointing when individuals get caught up in believing that regulation or “more government” must be good while they ignore the externalities that the government brings to bear - I’m still trying to figure out why the government is regulating my EV like it’s a super duty F-250, and why the government made it illegal in my state to bring my own bottle of wine to a restaurant. I’m also trying to figure out why the government is leasing my land in Alaska (I’m an American, therefore it’s mine as well - yes I’m aware of recent Biden admin actions +) for oil and gas companies but won’t approve new nuclear reactors. It’s also crazy to me that the government doesn’t regulate by making mandatory seatbelts a requirement for school busses, and why it fails to regulate (ban) additive sugars and vaping and all sorts of other harmful products. I’m not trying to both-sides it here, but the central theme is everyone has an opinion on this stuff and the truth is regulation is good and bad, and it can cost or save money. We shouldn’t get into X is good, Y is bad. It lacks nuance.