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Sizewell B nuclear inquiry: an analysis of public participation in decision making about nuclear power

Journal Article · · Sci., Technol., Hum. Values; (United States)
OSTI ID:6371715
The Sizewell B inquiry on a proposed new nuclear power plant on the Suffolk coast appears to have been objective and accurate, but whether it is a useful decisionmaking tool and vehicle for real public participation in technology assessment is open to question. The hearing process was intensified by the controversial nature of US pressurized water reactor (PWR) technology in this first test of public acceptance in Britain, where the decision was made earlier to go with gas-cooled reactors. After reviewing the PWR concerns and the first year of the inquiry, the author concludes that the safety review policy has limited the examination of many specific aspects of the design while encouraging objectors to look at generic issues that are largely insoluble. Sizewell, he feels, may encapsulate lessons for other countries in facing risk/benefit questions involving values. 46 references.
OSTI ID:
6371715
Journal Information:
Sci., Technol., Hum. Values; (United States), Journal Name: Sci., Technol., Hum. Values; (United States) Vol. 9:48; ISSN STHVD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English