Public attitudes toward nuclear generating facilities: positive
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), Vol. 2:4
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
POLICY AND ECONOMY
22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
PUBLIC OPINION
BEHAVIOR
EDUCATION
HEALTH HAZARDS
INFORMATION
INTERVENORS
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
PLANNING
PUBLIC RELATIONS
PUBLIC UTILITIES
REACTOR SITES
SAFETY
SITE SELECTION
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
SOCIOLOGY
HAZARDS
POWER PLANTS
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
290600* - Energy Planning & Policy- Nuclear Energy
220501 - Nuclear Reactor Technology- Environmental Aspects- Siting