In a recent benefit-cost analysis of a proposed regulation that generated negative net benefits in the present but positive net benefits in the future, the government used a 5% social discount rate. If it had instead used a 3% social discount rate, the net present value of the policy would have been ______; if it had used an 8% social discount rate, the net present value would have been ______. Select one: a. lower; lower. b. lower; higher. c. higher; higher. d. higher; lower.

In a recent benefit-cost analysis of a proposed regulation that generated negative net benefits in the present but positive net benefits in the future, the government used a 5% social discount rate. If it had instead used a 3% social discount rate, the net present value of the policy would have been ; if it had used an 8% social discount rate, the net present value would have been . Select one: a. lower; lower. b. lower; higher. c. higher; higher. d. higher; lower.