Valuing Environmental Amenities With Nonparametric And Semiparametric Methods

The generalized maximum entropy framework is adapted to the discrete choice contingent valuation method. In addition, we investigate semi-nonparametric models in order to evaluate their fitting ability in this discrete choice setting. The estimators are applied to an important policy setting; namely, the valuation of wetlands in Iowa's prairie pothole region. Finally, the nonparametric method of Varian is adapted and extended to provide meaningful lower and upper bounds on welfare measures.