Public attitudes and information on the nuclear option

Journal Article · Sun Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1981 · Nucl. Saf.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6506537

Firebaugh, M W

The principal findings of public-opinion surveys on nuclear energy are summaried in this article. Attitudes polled include those on building more nuclear power 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, the nature of risk perception, symbolic aspects of nuclear energy, and the 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 electric bills, nuclear information workshops for news media personnel, and suggestions for improved communication on nuclear issues. These relatively low cost, focused efforts may be more effective than mass media information programs.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Wisconsin, Parkside
• OSTI ID: 6506537
• Journal Information: Nucl. Saf.; (United States), Journal Name: Nucl. Saf.; (United States) Vol. 22:2; ISSN NUSAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
220900 -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Reactor Safety
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290600* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
ENERGY
NUCLEAR ENERGY
PUBLIC OPINION
REACTOR SAFETY
RISK ASSESSMENT
SAFETY