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U.S. Department of Energy
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Perceived risk, stigma, and potential economic impacts of a high-level nuclear waste repository in Nevada

Conference ·
OSTI ID:137914
 [1]
  1. Decision Research, Eugene, OR (USA)

This paper addresses the potential for the proposed Yucca Mountain repository to have serious adverse economic impacts on the city of Las Vegas and the State of Nevada. Adverse economic impacts may be expected to result from two related social processes. One has to do with perceptions of risk and socially amplified reactions to unfortunate events associated with the repository (major and minor accidents, discoveries of radiation releases, evidence of mismanagement, attempts to sabotage or disrupt the facility, etc.). The second process that may trigger significant adverse impacts is that of stigmatization. The conceptual underpinnings of risk perception, social amplification, and stigma are discussed in this paper and empirical data are presented to demonstrate how nuclear images associated with Las Vegas and the State of Nevada might trigger adverse effects on tourism, migration, and business development.

OSTI ID:
137914
Report Number(s):
CONF-890207--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English