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Nuclear waste in my backyard: social acceptance and economic incentives

Author

Listed:
  • Bonev, Petyo
  • Emmenegger, Rony
  • Forero, Laura
  • Ganev, Kaloyan
  • Simeonova-Ganeva, Ralitsa
  • Soederberg, Magnus

Abstract

This paper studies the social acceptance of nuclear energy and nuclear waste. Using a randomized choice experiment, we find that the prospects of a nearby nuclear waste repository reduce the acceptance of nuclear power. This result indicates the the Not-In-My-Backyard problem is partially driven by free-riding: individuals willing to accept the advantages of nuclear energy but not willing to internalize the associated cost. We also find that economic incentives decrease free riding and potentially help solve the Not-In-My-Backyard problem.

Suggested Citation

  • Bonev, Petyo & Emmenegger, Rony & Forero, Laura & Ganev, Kaloyan & Simeonova-Ganeva, Ralitsa & Soederberg, Magnus, 2022. "Nuclear waste in my backyard: social acceptance and economic incentives," Economics Working Paper Series 2215, University of St. Gallen, School of Economics and Political Science.
  • Handle: RePEc:usg:econwp:2022:15
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    environmental policy; nuclear power; nuclear waste; NIMBY; crowding intrinsic motivation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D71 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Social Choice; Clubs; Committees; Associations
    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • Q58 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Government Policy
    • R53 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Regional Government Analysis - - - Public Facility Location Analysis; Public Investment and Capital Stock

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