Capital budgeting criteria: ethical considerations

An electric utility is considering a new power plant in northern Arizona. Power from the plant would be sold in the Phoenix area, where it is badly needed. Because the firm has received a permit, the plant would be legal; but it would cause some air pollution. The company could spend an additional $40 million at Year 0 to mitigate the environmental Problem, but it would not be required to do so. The plant without mitigation would cost $209.71 million, and the expected cash inflows would be $70 million per year for 5 years. If the firm does invest in mitigation, the annual inflows would be $75.84 million. Unemployment in the area where the plant would be built is high, and the plant would provide about 350 good jobs. The risk adjusted WACC is 17%.

1. Calculate the NPV and IRR with mitigation. Round your answers to two decimal places. Enter your answer for NPV in millions. For example, an answer of $10,550,000 should be entered as 10.55. NPV $ million IRR %

   Calculate the NPV and IRR without mitigation. Round your answers to two decimal places. Enter your answer for NPV in millions. For example, an answer of $10,550,000 should be entered as 10.55. NPV $ million IRR %

a. Should this project be undertaken? Why or why not?

b. If so, should the firm do the mitigation? Why or why not?