ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book attempts to provide a single-source reference that presents a broad-based overview of the socioeconomic issues and dimensions of the nuclear waste problem with particular emphasis on repository siting. It provides a single-source reference that presents a broad-based overview of the socioeconomic issues and dimensions of the nuclear waste problem with particular emphasis on repository siting. The book outlines the legal constraints that might potentially be used by state, local, and/or special interest groups to delay or stop the siting of a high-level nuclear waste repository. It examines alternative philosophical and ethical perspectives on nuclear waste and waste storage. Public participation and community development issues play a major role in any large-scale project likely to have significant impacts on communities surrounding a development site.
