Heterogeneity in preferences for woody biomass energy in the US Mountain West

The United States has passed legislation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions (United States Congress, 2005; United States Congress, 2007; EPA, 2015). In order to achieve the goals set by these commitments, significant amounts of fossil fuel energy will need to be replaced with renewable energy. There are multiple renewable technologies from which to choose, and each option has associated costs and benefits. In order to maximize the social benefits from investments in renewable energy technologies, the external costs and benefits must be quantified and included in the decision making process.