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High‐risk Technology, Legitimacy and Science: The U.S. Search for Energy Policy Consensus

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  • Margarita Alario
  • William Freudenburg

Abstract

Since the 1980s, a growing body of social scientific research has focused on the organizational character of the institutions that are responsible for the management and functioning of high‐risk technological systems. While there are differences among the social theories of risks that have developed on both sides of the Atlantic, much of the work offers warnings that are relevant to public policy. The warnings have largely been ignored in recent U.S. policy decisions, as illustrated most clearly by the U.S. Energy Act of 2005, which largely overlooks important questions regarding the environmental and technological risks of the technologies favored by the Act. Sociological work suggests that the scientific systems that have been instrumental in the legitimization process of high‐risk technological options of energy, more broadly, should be examined in connection with the societal institutions having responsibility for transparency, safety, and environmental protection.

Suggested Citation

  • Margarita Alario & William Freudenburg, 2006. "High‐risk Technology, Legitimacy and Science: The U.S. Search for Energy Policy Consensus," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 9(7), pages 737-753.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jriskr:v:9:y:2006:i:7:p:737-753
    DOI: 10.1080/13669870600899521
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    Cited by:

    1. Debra Davidson & Don Grant, 2012. "The double diversion: mapping its roots and projecting its future in environmental studies," Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Springer;Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences, vol. 2(1), pages 69-77, March.
    2. Margarita Alario, 2012. "Freudenburg on technological risks: transcendent or titanic?," Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Springer;Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences, vol. 2(1), pages 53-57, March.
    3. Tonn, Bruce & Healy, K.C. & Gibson, Amy & Ashish, Ashutosh & Cody, Preston & Beres, Drew & Lulla, Sam & Mazur, Jim & Ritter, A.J., 2009. "Power from Perspective: Potential future United States energy portfolios," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 37(4), pages 1432-1443, April.

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