Changes in uranium plant community leaders' attitudes toward nuclear power: Before and after TMI

Abstract

This research deals with identification and assessment of the reactions of community leaders in nuclear power plant host communities toward nuclear power following the accident at Three Mile Island (TMI). Public and private sector officials were surveyed in ten general areas covering their attitudes toward and the continued use of nuclear power as compared to other fuel types, and the reassessment of the local plant impact on different community groups and aspects of community life. Information is compared with findings from a similar study conducted with the same community leaders prior to the TMI accident. The results indicate that community leaders' attitudes remained highly favorable toward the continued use of nuclear power. Three-fourths of the sample indicated that they would probably or definitely allow the continued use of nuclear power as compared to other fuel types, and the reassessment of the local majority still view the plant presence as having a positive impact on their communities.