The Economic Impact of a Nuclear Power Plant

An Australian blog, Falkayn's Nest, is asking hard questions after reading a study authored by anti-nukes that claims local opposition is bound to stifle any and all development of new nuclear in Australia:

I wonder how long it takes before some enterprising local council works out that the impact on jobs, industry and local living conditions of a nuclear power plant far outweighs the potential and theoretical downsides?

As it turns out, his assumptions are on target. In a study that appeared recently in the International Journal of Nuclear Governance, Economy and Ecology, Roger Bezdek and Robert Wendling found that in seven regions with nuclear facilities...

[H]ousing and real estate values have benefited from the operation of nuclear facilities: total property values, assessed valuations and median housing prices have often increased at rates above the national and state averages. In each local area, housing prices were several times higher than prior to the opening of the nuclear facilities.

NEI has performed a number of economic benefits studies for its member companies. To read them, click here.

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