The decision not to address Cancer Villages may stem from which factor?

• A. Economic interests
• B. Clear, straightforward environmental cleanup
• C. Surplus of resources
• D. Strong political will

Answer: (A)

The main idea tested is how economic incentives shape government choices about environmental health issues. The decision not to address Cancer Villages is best explained by economic interests. Local governments and polluting industries depend on economic growth for tax revenue, jobs, and investment. Cleaning up pollution often means costs—shutting down plants, relocating facilities, investing in remediation, or slowing or stopping economic activity—that can reduce short-term growth and receipts. If officials expect that the political rewards (promotion, funding, stability) come from growth rather than cleanup, they have a strong incentive to delay or avoid taking costly environmental action. The other options would point toward easier or more urgent action, which isn’t why the issue remains unaddressed.