Octopus’s garden under the blade: Boosting biodiversity increases willingness to pay for offshore wind in the United States

摘要: Abstract Low carbon energy infrastructure has been controversial for economic, social and environmental reasons: relatively high capital costs compared to fossil fuels; dissatisfaction with who owns the infrastructure; visual impacts; habitat harm. Our research takes an initial step assess relative salience of these challenges a choice experiment targeting residents coastal New England – US region where utility-scale offshore wind farms are under consideration. The asks how much willing pay above their current utility rates that increase marine species abundance diversity artificial reefs? We residents' willingness (WTP) different farm ownership models, aesthetic impacts based on variation in distance from shore. Results this exploratory study show strong preferences provide quality reef habitat, particularly among those score Ecological Paradigm (NEP), measure orientation. indicate WTP ranging $17/month people low NEP $31/month generate 60% abundance. found significant cooperative, state or municipal rather than private ownership. People ~$9/month ≥10 miles shore, 1 mile suggests integrating biodiversity benefits into design renewable could public support such developments.