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23 pages ; The Department of Energy's program for disposing of high-level radioactive wastes has been impeded by overwhelming political opposition fueled by public perceptions of risk. Analysis of these perceptions shows them to be deeply rooted in images of fear and dread that have been present since the discovery of radioactivity. The development and use of nuclear weapons linked these images to reality and the mishandling of radioactive wastes from the nation's military weapons facilities has contributed toward creating a profound state of distrust that cannot be erased quickly or easily. Postponing the permanent repository and employing dry-cask storage of wastes on site would provide the time necessary for difficult social and political issues to be resolved.

68 pages ; Attempts by the federal government and the nuclear industry to develop sites for disposal of high-level and low-level radioactive wastes have been stymied by public and political opposition. The record of strenuous protest against nuclear waste repositories, as well as the findings of numerous public opinion surveys, make it clear that public opposition is widespread and deeply felt. It is also clear that there is an immense gap between the perceptions of the public and the views of technical experts and nuclear-industry officials.

This study investigates the potential impacts of the proposed nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, upon tourism, retirement and job‐related migration, and business development in Las Vegas and the state. Adverse impacts may be expected to result from perceptions of risk, stigmatization, and socially amplified reactions to "unfortunate events" associated with the repository (major and minor accidents, discoveries of radiation releases, evidence of mismanagement, attempts to sabotage or disrupt the facility, etc.). The conceptual underpinnings of risk perception, stigmatization, and social amplification are discussed and empirical data are presented to demonstrate how nuclear images associated with Las Vegas and the State of Nevada might trigger adverse economic effects. The possibility that intense negative imagery associated with the repository may cause significant harm to Nevada's economy can no longer be ignored by serious attempts to assess the risks and impacts of this unique facility. The behavioral processes described here appear relevant as well to the social impact assessment of any proposed facility that produces, uses, transports, or disposes of hazardous materials.

Frontmatter -- Contents -- List of figures and tables -- Preface -- Part I the context of public concern with nuclear waste -- 1. Public opinion and nuclear waste Policymaking -- 2. The historical development of public reactions to nuclear power: implications for nuclear waste policy -- 3. Perceived risk, trust, and nuclear waste: lessons from yucca mountain -- Part II public reactions to preliminary sites -- 4. Public testimony in nuclear waste repository hearings: a content analysis -- 5. Sources of public concern about nuclear waste disposal in Texas agricultural communities -- 6. Local attitudes toward siting a high-level nuclear waste repository at Hanford, Washington -- Part III public reactions to the yucca mountain, Nevada site -- 7. Perceived risk and attitudes toward nuclear wastes: national and Nevada perspectives -- 8. The vulnerability of the convention industry to the siting of a high-level nuclear waste repository -- 9. Nevada urban residents' attitudes toward a nuclear waste repository -- 10. Rural community residents' views of nuclear waste repository siting in Nevada -- Part IV summary and policy implications -- 11. Prospects for public acceptance of a high-level nuclear waste repository in the united states: summary and implications -- Index -- Contributors