Read the following argument regarding environmental economic policy carefully, and match each boldfaced statement to its specific structural role within the overall argument:
Many economic analysts contend that imposing a carbon tax on domestic manufacturing will severely undermine international competitiveness. Data from pilot tax programs show that domestic manufacturers offset compliance costs by improving energy efficiency. Based on this finding, environmental advocates argue that carbon taxation yields net environmental gains without hurting economic output. However, this argument falsely assumes that energy efficiency gains can be scaled indefinitely across all manufacturing sectors. Therefore, implementing a comprehensive carbon tax under current conditions is likely to cause substantial net harm to domestic industry.
- First boldfaced statement ("Data from pilot tax programs...")Evidence cited to support a position that the author ultimately criticizes.
- Second boldfaced statement ("However, this argument falsely assumes...")A premise offered by the author to undermine the reasoning of an opposing group.
- Third boldfaced statement ("implementing a comprehensive carbon tax...")The main conclusion reached by the author of the argument.