the report of the noaa panel on contingent valuation (cv) methodology, prepared by the panel appointed by the office of general counsel, concludes that cv studies can produce estimates reliable enough to serve as a starting point for judicial or administrative damage assessments, including lost passive-use values. however, such studies must adhere closely to the guidelines outlined in the report to ensure reliability. the panel emphasizes that while not every injunction must be strictly followed, following the guidelines more closely improves the reliability of the results. the report outlines the drawbacks of the cv technique, key issues in its use, and guidelines for conducting cv studies. it also presents a research agenda and detailed conclusions. the panel acknowledges the support of noaa's damage assessment regulations team and hopes the report will aid in rulemaking efforts. the panel concludes that passive-use loss is a meaningful component of environmental damage, and that cv can provide reliable estimates of total loss, including passive-use loss, if conducted properly. the panel notes that cv studies may overstate willingness to pay, but conservative choices in designing the study can mitigate this bias. the panel also recommends that federal agencies begin accumulating standard damage assessments for oil spills to improve the reliability of cv studies. the report highlights the need for further research into the sensitivity of cv responses to survey design and the interpretation of the no-vote option. the panel concludes that well-conducted cv studies provide a reliable benchmark for damage assessments, and that the results should be used in combination with other evidence. the panel also emphasizes the importance of considering the context of the damage assessment and the potential for controversy in evaluating intangible losses.the report of the noaa panel on contingent valuation (cv) methodology, prepared by the panel appointed by the office of general counsel, concludes that cv studies can produce estimates reliable enough to serve as a starting point for judicial or administrative damage assessments, including lost passive-use values. however, such studies must adhere closely to the guidelines outlined in the report to ensure reliability. the panel emphasizes that while not every injunction must be strictly followed, following the guidelines more closely improves the reliability of the results. the report outlines the drawbacks of the cv technique, key issues in its use, and guidelines for conducting cv studies. it also presents a research agenda and detailed conclusions. the panel acknowledges the support of noaa's damage assessment regulations team and hopes the report will aid in rulemaking efforts. the panel concludes that passive-use loss is a meaningful component of environmental damage, and that cv can provide reliable estimates of total loss, including passive-use loss, if conducted properly. the panel notes that cv studies may overstate willingness to pay, but conservative choices in designing the study can mitigate this bias. the panel also recommends that federal agencies begin accumulating standard damage assessments for oil spills to improve the reliability of cv studies. the report highlights the need for further research into the sensitivity of cv responses to survey design and the interpretation of the no-vote option. the panel concludes that well-conducted cv studies provide a reliable benchmark for damage assessments, and that the results should be used in combination with other evidence. the panel also emphasizes the importance of considering the context of the damage assessment and the potential for controversy in evaluating intangible losses.