Public attitudes toward nuclear generating facilities: positive

Journal Article · · Energy (Stamford, Conn.); (United States)

OSTI ID:7208881

Krannich, R S

Public opposition and intervention in the siting and development of nuclear power plants has become more of a limiting factor than technological issues. Attitude surveys indicate that, while the majority of Americans support nuclear power, the utilities would do well to respond to the concerns and opinions of local residents when projects are in the planning stages. Recent polls are analyzed to identify the demographic and perceptive factors of opposition. Demographic studies indicate that the greatest opposition comes from women, young people, urban residents, farmers, low-income groups, and the unemployed. Perceptual opposition is associated with anticipated negative impacts in the form of hazards and social disruption. Since there appears to be a correlation between access to pertinent information and level of support, utility planners could develop educational programs to provide this information on the advantages of nuclear power. 10 references. (DCK)

• Research Organization: Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park
• OSTI ID: 7208881
• Journal Information: Energy (Stamford, Conn.); (United States), Journal Name: Energy (Stamford, Conn.); (United States) Vol. 2:4; ISSN ENGYD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
220501 -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Environmental Aspects-- Siting
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290600* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
BEHAVIOR
EDUCATION
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
INFORMATION
INTERVENORS
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
PLANNING
POWER PLANTS
PUBLIC OPINION
PUBLIC RELATIONS
PUBLIC UTILITIES
REACTOR SITES
SAFETY
SITE SELECTION
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
SOCIOLOGY
THERMAL POWER PLANTS