Technocracy and Trusts: Nuclear Waste Controversy
Publication: Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering
Volume 114, Issue 1
Abstract
The Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 requires the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop a permanent nuclear waste repository. DOE is also required to conduct a program of consultation and cooperation with each of the effected states and Indian Tribes. The program is characterized by a pervasive lack of trust that threatens to undermine the intent of the act. Rather than addressing the technical issues of nuclear waste disposal, this paper explores the issue of trust itself. The paper concludes that the crisis over nuclear waste cannot be resolved through technological solutions alone. The crisis involves the relationship of a citizenry to its institutions of power. To address such a crisis, the subject of trust itself and its requirements must be seriously examined.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering
Volume 114 • Issue 1 • January 1988
Pages: 27 - 39
Copyright
Copyright © 1988 ASCE.
History
Published online: Jan 1, 1988
Published in print: Jan 1988
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