If a new minimum price of $15 was instituted by the United States Government in this market, it would be considered a price floor. According to the graph, with a price floor of $15, the quantity demanded would be 80 units, but the quantity supplied would be 40 units. This would result in a surplus of 40 units.
The government may still choose to implement this policy despite the surplus because it could be aimed at protecting producers in the market. By setting a minimum price, the government can ensure that producers earn a certain level of income and are not driven out of the market due to low prices. Additionally, the government may want to maintain the stability of the market by preventing prices from dropping too low.
I would not support such a change for several reasons. Firstly, a surplus of 40 units would lead to wasted resources and potentially harm the environment if excess goods are not properly disposed of. Secondly, a price floor could lead to higher prices for consumers, reducing their purchasing power and potentially causing inefficiencies in the market.
Overall, while the government may have good intentions in implementing a price floor, I believe that in this particular scenario, the negative consequences outweigh the benefits.