Open AccessPlutonium distribution: Summary of public and governmental support issues
Author(s) -
Agnieszka Pasternak
Publication year - 1995
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/74097
Subject(s) - plutonium , disposition , documentation , politics , unanimity , action (physics) , nuclear weapon , public policy , business , political science , public administration , public relations , computer science , law , psychology , social psychology , chemistry , physics , quantum mechanics , radiochemistry , programming language
Obtaining strong public and governmental support for the plutonium disposition program and for the projects comprising the selected disposition options will be essential to the success of the program in meeting non-proliferation goals established as national policy. This paper summarizes issues related to public and governmental support for plutonium disposition. Recommendations are offered which rest on two fundamental assumptions: (1) public and political support derive from public trust and confidence, and (2) despite widespread support for U.S. non-proliferation goals, establishing and operating facilities to carry out the program will entail controversy. Documentation for the Administration`s policy on non-proliferation as it relates to plutonium disposition is cited and summarized as background for ongoing planning efforts by the Department of Energy (DOE). Consensus is a reasonable goal for efforts to secure public and governmental support for the plutonium disposition program and its elements; unanimity is very unlikely. The program will be aided by the popular recognition of the importance of the nation`s non-proliferation goals, the potential for an energy dividend if an energy production option is selected ({open_quotes}Swords to Plowshares{close_quotes} metaphor), the possibility of influencing disposition decisions in other countries, and the clear need to do something with the excess material ({open_quotes}the no action alternative{close_quotes} will not suffice)