NIMBY and the Nuclear Negotiator in the United States

Abstract

Nobody wants nuclear waste. But in the task of finding a repository for it in the United States, we must stimulate public interest which will lead to learning and eventually acceptance. The original wide ranging, science-based concept for nuclear waste facilities in the US failed and was replaced with a single site at Yucca Mountain in Nevada. That choice has resulted in a standoff between the State and the Union. Meanwhile the creation of the Office of the US Nuclear Waste Negotiator has resulted in an approach to the 50 States and 565 Indian Nations for either a permanent repository or a temporary facility. No real interest has been shown in the former, but a number of States and Indian Nations have shown interest in the temporary facility. In seeking a site it has become clear that perception is reality. While the hard science must continue to advance, there must be a parallel effort to make people comfortable with nuclear power.