An Update on the Science of Acidification in the Adirondack Park

Abstract

This paper provides a review of the science pertaining to all aspects of acidification in the Adirondack Park, updating an earlier review of the science (Cook et al. 2002). The review supports an ongoing social science investigation into the willingness to pay for ecological improvements that would result from reduced acid deposition. This paper builds a bridge between the physical science and social science by providing the background that will allow researchers to accurately summarize the crucial elements of ecological status and improvement in a stated preference survey.

Keywords: acid rain, acidification, stated preference, willingness to pay, benefit estimation

JEL Classification: Q51, Q53, Q57