Research

Scope and Content Note

This series contains the transcripts of the commission's public hearings held to gather public opinion for its reports to the legislature. Transcripts of the senate debate on the commission's findings are also found in this series.

Included are the interim and final reports of the commission and memorandums of understanding and agreement between the governor with the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission or the State legislature. The transcripts reveal a concern on the public's part with nuclear power plants, with extensive discussion on the Shoreham Nuclear Plant. Many expressed dissatisfaction with federal and State government agencies, especially the Atomic Energy Commission, which, they claimed, did not watch out for the public interest, but rather were advocates for the utility companies. Many residents also felt that local concerns were given short shrift when utilities chose a facility's site.

The final commission report recommended transferring the authority to approve facilities' locations from local municipalities to the State. The State would then require an investigation into the site, balancing "environmental compatibility and public need." The series will be useful for those wishing to examine to what degree public opinion shapes public policy as one traces it through the transcripts, commission recommendations, and finally the law.