Public Acceptance of Lawncare Policy Instruments to Reduce Nonpoint Source Pollution

Abstract

Attainment of nutrient-reduction goals in many water bodies requires control over household behaviors such as lawn fertilizer use. These behaviors can be influenced through approaches including direct restrictions and price-based instruments. In practice, applications of policy instruments such as these are deterred by assumptions that they would be opposed by the public. This paper evaluates the public acceptability of price-, quantity-, and other instruments applicable to lawn fertilizer. Models are illustrated using data from a revealed/stated preference discrete choice experiment in the Baltimore region. Findings suggest that common wisdom regarding the acceptability of lawncare regulations may contribute to suboptimal policy.