In a recent benefit$-$cost analysis of a proposed regulation that generated positive net benefits in the present but negative net benefits in the future, the government used a $5\%$ social discount rate. If it had instead used a $7\%$ social discount rate, the net present value of the policy would have been $q,$ if it had used a $10\%$ social discount rate, the net present value would have been $$

Select one:

a$.$ much higher; somewhat higher.

b$.$ somewhat lower; much lower.

c$.$ much lower; somewhat lower.

d$.$ lower; higher.

e$.$ somewhat higher; much higher.

f$.$ higher; lower.