Consenting publics: fair nuclear waste repository siting?

Abstract

ABSTRACTResearch on nuclear repository siting often suggests that the dominance of key actors in siting processes should be counterbalanced by greater inclusion of disadvantaged local publics. Often, public consent is represented as guarantee of ‘fairness’. I problematize this notion by showing how consent is pursued by the implementer in Sweden. I invoke industry’s written material distributed to citizens in the repository candidate community of Östhammar, showing that Swedish municipalities’ right of veto in siting inquiries and public opposition have resulted in a creative industry siting strategy, which has abandoned overt coercion; implementers now aim to create consent by tending to local interests and culture. Despite the sensitivity to local publics’ wishes, however, particular problems remain. Inspired by a theory that understands consent-building as a specific form of power, I conclude that the inclusion of local interests is no panacea for ‘fairness’ and propose new routes for research.