Public attitudes and information on the nuclear option

Technical Report · Thu May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1980

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5262195· OSTI ID:5262195

Firebaugh, M W

A summary of the principal findings of public opinion surveys on nuclear energy is presented. Attitudes polled include those on building more plants, a nuclear moratorium, options for reducing risks, questions of safety and cost advantage, and the most trusted sources of information about nuclear energy. Next, some less empirical observations for interpreting these results are presented. These address the inertia of beliefs, nature of risk perception, symbolic aspects of nuclear energy, and feasibility of nuclear education programs. Finally, several suggestions for public information programs based on the previously noted findings and observations are made. These include a safety program analogous to fire drills, itemized electrical bills, nuclear site media workshops, and suggestions for improved communication on nuclear issues.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Inc., TN (USA). Inst. for Energy Analysis
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76OR00033
• OSTI ID: 5262195
• Report Number(s): ORAU/IEA-80-6(M)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
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29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290600 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
DATA
DATA COMPILATION
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
INFORMATION
NORTH AMERICA
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
NUCLEAR POWER
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
NUMERICAL DATA
POWER
POWER PLANTS
PUBLIC OPINION
RADIATION HAZARDS
REACTOR SAFETY
SAFETY
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
USA