Development of a Structural Model to Analyze Public Opinion on a High-Level Radioactive Waste Facility

by James Flynn, Decision Research, Eugene, United States,
Paul Slovic, Decision Research, Eugene, United States,
C. K. Mertz, Decision Research, Eugene, United States,
William Burns, Decision Research, Eugene, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: High Level Radioactive Waste Management 1991

Abstract:

Studies show that Nevada residents and state officials oppose the proposed high-level radioactive waste repository project at Yucca Mountain. Nevada residents view the Yucca Mountain repository as having extremely high risk; nuclear experts, in contrast, feel the risks are very low. These experts have suggested that public risk perceptions may be reduced by better program management, increased trust in the federal government, and/or by increased benefits and compensation for accepting a repository. The model described in this paper is designed to examine the relationship between risk perception and various strategies for risk management using a confirmatory multivariate method known as covariance structure analysis.

Subject Headings: Radioactive wastes | Risk management | Structural models | Structural analysis | Public opinion and participation | Waste storage | Waste disposal | Nevada | United States

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