A registered representative ("rr") is an MFP of a municipal securities firm that is an underwriter for that municipal issuer. The MFP volunteers his time to the election campaign of a candidate for mayor of the issuer by offering to host a reception. The "rr," who is entitled to vote in the election, does not make a contribution to the elected official’s campaign, but does pay $300 of "out of pocket" expenses for the cost of the reception. Which statement is TRUE?

How should the environmental effects be dealt with when evaluating this project? the environmental effects should be ignored since the plant is legal without mitigation. the environmental effects should be treated as a sunk cost and therefore ignored. if the utility mitigates for the environmental effects, the project is not acceptable. however, before the company chooses to do the project without mitigation, it needs to make sure that any costs of "ill will" for not mitigating for the environmental effects have been considered in the original analysis. the environmental effects should be treated as a remote possibility and should only be considered at the time in which they actually occur. the environmental effects if not mitigated would result in additional cash flows. therefore, since the plant is legal without mitigation, there are no benefits to performing a "no mitigation" analysis.