Date of Award

Winter 2006

Project Type

Thesis

Program or Major

Resource Administration and Management

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

Kelly Giraud

Abstract

The Cape Wind proposal to build 130 turbines in Nantucket sound has been a central figure in development of renewable energy in New England. The aim of this study was two fold. First, the contingent valuation method was used to estimate an economic value the public has on policy for the preservation of Nantucket sound, within the scopes of the project. The second goal was to identify lessons that could be learned from the Cape Wind proposal and applied to future renewable energy projects in New England.

Results revealed that the public has a positive economic value for a policy that would allow the resources of Nantucket Sound to be used as a wind park. Lessons that can be applied to future renewable energy developments include increasing public involvement in the early stages of planning and increasing public education on renewable energy.

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