Quest for public acceptance of nuclear power

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1979 · Electr. Perspect.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5777044

Hill, J

The nuclear industry cannot progress any faster than public opinion will allow, the author contends. This is true of any new technology. The degree of disadvantage that any society will accept in new developments clearly depends on the needs of the society and the urgency of the situation. Nobody wants a lower standard of living. An assessment is made of the people who are apprehensive about nuclear power and those who are not. Of those working in the industry, the majority are completely satisfied about what they are doing; they are working in the industry by choice. These people trust and respect the engineers and scientists directing the installation. Opponents of nuclear power are the people objecting to having a nuclear plant or any other large factory near their home. Many people technically less informed are also among the dissenters; information distributed by the media does not include all the correct facts or do not make a fair presentation of the facts. The author cites hurdles that other industries have had to conquer to succeed. In spite of the criticism leveled at nuclear power, he sees it as the salvation of our prosperous and, on the whole, enjoyable industrial society. He sees steady progress with the efficiency of processes increasing year by year. He foresees further setbacks and disappointments but feels that, finally, the industry will be judged on the facts and on its achievements.

• OSTI ID: 5777044
• Journal Information: Electr. Perspect.; (United States), Journal Name: Electr. Perspect.; (United States) Vol. 3; ISSN ELPED
• 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
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ENERGY SOURCE DEVELOPMENT
INDUSTRY
INFORMATION
NUCLEAR INDUSTRY
NUCLEAR POWER
POWER
PUBLIC OPINION
PUBLIC POLICY
STANDARD OF LIVING