Missing steps in the assessment of the local economic impact of nuclear waste: The case of Italy

Abstract

The risk of adverse effects on local economies originating from the hosting of radioactive waste deep geological repositories and interim storage facilities has been only partially addressed in the literature. Most studies adopt the logic of economic multipliers and focus on benefits rather than potential costs. This may lead policymakers to adopt a biased perspective, as observed in Legislative Decree 31/2010 in Italy, where the process of planning an interim storage facility is underway. The article aims to critically discuss the logic of economic multipliers and contribute to the debate by shifting the focus towards the perspectives of risk perception, hedonic pricing, and willingness to pay. Such approaches, which have been adopted in studies on the effects derived from the transportation of radioactive materials, risks of nuclear incidents, and radiation releases at power plants, should inform citizens and can be useful in arriving at adequate and democratically agreed upon solutions. Their adoption would enable local communities to strengthen their awareness of potential negative socio-economic impacts deriving from such facilities.