Consensus Seeking Versus Truth Seeking

Conceptualizing a social sustainability framework for energy infrastructure decisions

“…Chartered under the US Federal Advisory Committee Act, citizen advisors to the Department of Energy (DOE) are chosen to advise on nuclear site activities. There were 9 Citizen Advisory Boards (CABs) advising on waste management and environmental clean-up [70]. The DOE recommend that consensus rules are used when decision making: "To encourage the Board [of citizens] to listen carefully to all points of view and to work toward consensus" [71,72].…”

“…Its 25 members are required to be a diverse cross-section of citizens near SRS. Comparatively, SRS-CAB had significantly more diversity but also more college graduates than other CABs across DOE [70]. Roughly 50% of CAB members live adjacent to SRS with another 10% within 50 miles, the balance drawn from among those who live downstream of SRS (e.g., Hilton Head, SC and Savannah, GA) [74].…”

Public consent for the geologic disposal of highly radioactive wastes and spent nuclear fuel

“…But to get a single collective decision, CR depend on an enforced cooperation that allows those who normally would not speak in public ('neutrals') a chance to contribute views no matter how bizarre without fear of challenge by those wielding scientific facts [25]. This means that consensus decisions increase uncertainty and slow action by incorporating risk perceptions (i.e.…”

“…illusions [13]). Risk perceptions surrounding nuclear issues are abundant [25]. Scarce resources are wasted by unchallenged illusions [13].…”

“…Competitive challenges to illusions in public actually promote scientific practices, improving operations at DOE's SRS [25]. The American republic uses MRs across its system of checks and balances.…”