Use of NIMBY strategies to shape public perception of nuclear risk
- California State Univ., Sacramento (United States)
In 1989 Rancho Seco became the US first operational nuclear power plant to be closed by a public initiative. This study analyzes how, after nearly 20 years of little public concern, community dissatisfaction grew to such a level that it eventually led to Rancho Seco's closure. The communicative process leading to closure was guided by the catalytic efforts of a local citizen action group that capitalized on key events at the plant and on the national level to define the issue of Rancho Seco's existence as one of excessive economic and safety risk. The local utility's defensive posture focused on public ignorance, which contributed to, instead of halting, the public's revocation of the utility's authority to operate the plant. Such acts of community defiance are on the rise and frequently yield success for groups employing NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) strategies. The closure of Rancho Seco allows a case study analysis and evaluation of the communicative process by which NIMBYism can become an important source of sovereignty for communities who perceive themselves to be at risk.
- OSTI ID:
- 7042908
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-920606--
- Journal Information:
- Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (United States), Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (United States) Vol. 65; ISSN TANSA; ISSN 0003-018X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290600* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
ACCIDENTS
DECISION MAKING
ELECTRIC UTILITIES
ENRICHED URANIUM REACTORS
INFORMATION
INFORMATION DISSEMINATION
LIFETIME
NUCLEAR POWER
POWER
POWER REACTORS
PUBLIC HEALTH
PUBLIC INFORMATION
PUBLIC OPINION
PUBLIC RELATIONS
PUBLIC UTILITIES
PWR TYPE REACTORS
RANCHO SECO-1 REACTOR
REACTOR ACCIDENTS
REACTOR SAFETY
REACTOR SHUTDOWN
REACTORS
SAFETY
SERVICE LIFE
SHUTDOWN
THERMAL REACTORS
THREE MILE ISLAND-2 REACTOR
WATER COOLED REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS