Property Values Request for Proposal " Request for Proposals " Impact of Electromagnetic Fields Exposure from Transmission and Distribution Lines on Property Values Coordination with Cdhs and Public Stakeholders

INTRODUCTION The California Department of Health Services (CDHS) has contracted with Decision Insights, Inc. to conduct a project "Power Grid and Land Use Policy Analysis". The purpose of this project is to provide policy makers with tools to evaluate alternative policies for managing electromagnetic fields (EMF) exposure in the light of the uncertainties surrounding an EMF-health effects association. An important aspect of this study concerns the effects of the EMF issue on the values of properties near transmission and distribution lines. Preliminary sensitivity analyses indicate that this effect could be significant, especially if future research were to support an EMF-health effect link. It is therefore important to obtain better estimates of the impact of EMF exposure on property values. However, it is unclear how such estimates can be obtained and how much a study that provides defensible estimates of impacts would cost. To obtain a better understanding of these issues, Decision Insights was asked to provide a "feasibility study" of the possible effects of EMF exposure on property values. To initiate this feasibility study, Decision Insights, Inc. proposed to contract with Parkcenter Reality Advisors (PRA), a well-known real estate appraisal firm in Southern California. Furthermore, in discussions with the staff of PRA, the idea emerged to develop the feasibility study by asking PRA to respond to a mock "Request for Proposal", that would specify the requirements of the project. By responding to this mock RfP, complete with work plan and budget, the project would get a better understanding of the feasibility of a property values study. Following is the mock RfP. as part of its ongoing examination of the possible effects of electromagnetic fields from transmission and distribution lines, requests a study that examines the impact of EMF exposure from transmission and distribution lines on property values. The purpose of the project is to estimate the relationship between EMF exposure and the value of residential or commercial property. The proposal should include: a theoretical framework for evaluating property value effects of EMF exposure, a brief review of previous work on the topic, a description of the empirical approaches that will be used to estimate the effects of EMF exposure on property values, and a clear identification of the costs and timeline associated with the proposed project. Public concern about possible health risks from EMF exposure from power lines has led to difficult questions for scientists and public officials. This concern …