Research Webinar: The Economics of Mitigating Harmful Algal Blooms in Transboundary Lake Champlain and Vermonters' Willingness to Pay

Date/Time: 
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Location: 
Zoom—Registration required

Join us for an insightful session exploring the increasing frequency and intensity of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Lake Champlain, driven by climate change and agricultural nutrient runoff. This webinar will present findings on the average amount Vermont residents are willing to pay—$38.48 per person annually—to reduce phosphorus loading and mitigate these blooms. We’ll discuss how this public willingness can guide policymakers in adjusting car registration and water bill fees to raise up to $18.67 million per year, funding the initiatives supporting the EPA’s 2015-2030 Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) goals for phosphorus reduction. This approach offers a potential model for other regions experiencing harmful algal blooms as a result of urbanization, deforestation, and agricultural expansion.

Participants should expect approximately 30 minutes of presentation, which will be recorded, followed by a facilitated, 30-minute Q&A period. This webinar is a part of the Lake Champlain Sea Grant Research Webinar Series.

Register in advance for the webinar.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

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