NIMBY and the nuclear negotiator in the United States

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. In siting facilities that affect the public, it is the public's perception that most influences ultimate outcomes. While the hard science must continue to advance, there must be a parallel effort to make people comfortable with nuclear power. Open, broad, voluntary public participation by local citizens and local politicians in the siting of controversial facilities is the best way to win that support