Local opposition to the construction of a nuclear power station: differential salience of impacts

Surveyed attitudes among 290 residents of 3 villages in southwest England toward proposals to build a nuclear power station nearby. Ss were grouped according to being neutral or in favor of a new power station either locally or elsewhere (Group PN), against one locally but neutral or pro elsewhere (LO), or moderately (MO) or extremely (XO) against a new power station locally or elsewhere. The PN group expected most benefit or least damage on all 30 survey items. On a majority of items the mean ratings of the LO group resembled those of the XOs more than did those of the MOs. Results indicate a general escalating concern for personal peace of mind and a greater concern in LOs for environmental conservation.