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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Engaging the Public on Complex Issues: Communication challenges and Solutions - 17521

Conference ·
OSTI ID:22802492
 [1]
  1. Department of Energy, Office of River Protection (United States)

Public buy-in and support can make or break a project that has local environmental effects and implications, especially if that project takes place in a large community that is in-touch with its local and national government. Because of this, effective public communication is essential to the future of projects that can have an impact on a local community. This paper addresses the challenges and methods of communicating complex, scientific and/or technical issues with the public in an easy-to-understand, engaging manner while still accomplishing the communication goals of the organization. For consideration in particular is the challenge of communicating the proposed path forward and ongoing progress being made at ORP's tank farms and Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant project to help build support and acceptance with local and national audiences. By using a variety of engagement opportunities and communication tools, we are able to educate the public on the issues being addressed by the organization, the possible solutions to these issues, and the challenges involved. An engaged and well-informed public can assist the organization in accomplishing its mission by educating and influencing audiences that have an impact on the organization. (authors)

Research Organization:
WM Symposia, Inc., PO Box 27646, 85285-7646 Tempe, AZ (United States)
OSTI ID:
22802492
Report Number(s):
INIS-US--19-WM-17521
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English