Which statement most accurately states a claim developed in paragraph 5?
a.) traditional energy sources are safer for the planet than wind turbines.
b.) traditional energy sources generate more power than wind turbines.
c.) wind power is the most unreliable renewable energy resource.
d.)wind power is the most economical renewable energy resource.

paragraph 5: economic benefits of wind energy

wind energy is the lowest-priced renewable energy technology we have. it can cost between 4 and 6 cents per kilowatt-hour. at first glance, it can be argued that energy from traditional power sources such as gas can cost between 3.9 and 4.4 cents per kilowatt-hour. however, gas prices can rise and burning fuel releases pollutants and greenhouse gases into the air. coal costs between 4.8 and 5.5 cents per kilowatt-hour. because burning coal pollutes the air and coal mining destroys forests and soil quality, coal plants must meet strict environmental regulations. this makes it difficult and costly to build new coal plants. according to synapse energy economics’ most recent report, if the use of wind energy was doubled in the mid-atlantic and great lakes states, consumers could save $6.9 billion a year.

how well does the author address the counterclaims in paragraph 5 that fossil fuels are less expensive than wind power?

a.) the response is effective because the author lists added financial and environmental costs of using fossil fuels that raise the cost higher than what is stated.
b.) the response is effective because the author calls into question the reliability of the source information stated in the counterclaims.
c.) the response is ineffective because the statistics clearly show that energy from fossil fuels costs less than energy from wind power.
d.) the response is ineffective because the author chooses to ignore the information presented in the counterclaims.