Public opinion and hazardous waste

Book · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:6082826

Lyons, W; Fitzgerald, M R; McCabe, A

Citizen's anxiety over the prospects of a hazardous waste facility in their backyard is a nationwide phenomenon. While at one time communities vied mercilessly for the fruits of public sector spending, changes in US society and technology have created a new attitude toward government projects. Time and again, siting attempts result in anguished local protests and project vetoes. It is nonetheless clear that society's overall interests must eventually prevail over protesting local interests if these essential facilities are to be provided. Therefore, lawmaking bodies both at the state and federal level must formulate siting strategies that are perceived as responsible, effective, and equitable. This inevitably will involve enticements to local communities and a legitimate set of location criteria. Any proposal for a hazardous waste site will likely meet staunch local opposition. When it comes to siting decisions, the public apparently finds federal officials more trustworthy than state and local officials, believing the federal government will render a more rational, objective decision. At the same time, the public believes safety measures are the most important elements in swaying their views toward a proposed site, far outdistancing economic incentives. Safety policies and programs are primarily the responsibility of state and local governments. Thus, the public's point of greatest distrust is also the point of greatest concern. It is therefore not surprising that state legislators find hazardous waste siting one of the most perplexing policy issues today. Unless public trust in state and local government rises, solutions to the not-in-my-backyard syndrome will remain difficult if not impossible, to achieve.

• OSTI ID: 6082826
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
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& Safety
510500* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Site Resource & Use Studies-- (-1989)
520500 -- Environment
Aquatic-- Site Resource & Use Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ATTITUDES
DECISION MAKING
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS
PUBLIC OPINION
SITE SELECTION
WASTE MANAGEMENT