Inquiring minds want to know about Yucca Mountain

This paper presents a review of the Yucca Mountain Project's public affairs activities during the past year. The selection of Yucca Mountain as the first site to be characterized as a potential high-level nuclear waste repository has generated additional public interest in an already controversial program. To meet this increased level of concern by Nevada residents and media, the project office has stepped up its public affairs program. In addition to presentations in response to invitations by business, civic and service groups, an information office, exhibit showings and other standard public information activities, this effort includes a new direction in planning major project update meetings. This approach focuses on what the public wants to know, rather than on how scientists and engineers describe their work. Agendas are structured around informal discussions with Nevada residents in different parts of the state. The State of Nevada is invited to share the podium. Controversial issues are addressed head-on, and maximum time is allotted for audience participation