Strengthening Public Confidence in the Nuclear Power World - 21056

The language of people working in the nuclear industry is different from that of the people in communities around existing nuclear sites or locations proposed for new nuclear facilities. Bridging that communication divide is challenging and made more precarious when there is skepticism or outright opposition. An example of building a productive and trusting relationship between industry spokespeople and the citizens of current or prospective nuclear communities is offered here. Well-designed community engagement meetings that include honesty, a generosity of listening, and perhaps even some humor, can lead to shared understandings of the value and risks of nuclear energy. (author)