On-Site Storage of High Level Nuclear Waste: Attitudes and Perceptions of Local Residents |
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Authors: | Gilbert W Bassett Jr Hank C Jenkins-Smith Carol Silva |
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Institution: | Department of Economics (m\c144), University of Illinois at Chicago, 601 S. Morgan St., Rm. 2103, Chicago, Illinois 60607-7121 (e-mail:).;Institute for Public Policy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131-1121. |
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Abstract: | No public policy issue has been as difficult as high-level nuclear waste. Debates continue regarding Yucca Mountain as a disposal site, and—more generally—the appropriateness of geologic disposal and the need to act quickly. Previous research has focused on possible social, political, and economic consequences of a facility in Nevada. Impacts have been predicted to be potentially large and to emanate mainly from stigmatization of the region due to increased perceptions of risk. Analogous impacts from leaving waste at power plants have been either ignored or assumed to be negligible. This paper presents survey results on attitudes of residents in three counties where nuclear waste is currently stored. Topics include perceived risk, knowledge of nuclear waste and radiation, and impacts on jobs, tourism, and housing values from leaving waste on site. Results are similar to what has been reported for Nevada; the public is concerned about possible adverse effects from on-site storage of waste. |
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Keywords: | Perceived risk nuclear waste social and economic impacts survey attitudes |
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