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Societal acceptance of controversial facilities: The role of two public participation strategies---negotiation and risk communication

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6201520

Public participation in decision making about the siting of controversial facilities is viewed in contradictory ways by different groups of people. Some see public participation as an impediment, while others think it is an important mechanism in gaining societal acceptance for eventual siting. This paper discusses two strategies for obtaining societal acceptance--- negotiation and risk communication---in light of the extent to which they (1) involve members of the public; (2) focus on risk-related issues; and (3) contribute to decisions to site controversial facilities. The paper presents an integrated conceptual model for public participation in siting decisions that incorporates risk as well as social, political, and historical contexts. 20 refs., 1 fig.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
6201520
Report Number(s):
CONF-8810249-3; ON: DE89007521
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English