Public Involvement in Nevada: The Role of the University

The controversy over siting a high-level radioactive waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, has engaged the southern Nevada community in recent years. This high-profile project has brought a critical eye on other environmental management activities, especially in the neighboring Nevada Test Site. Although radioactive waste management activities have been ongoing at the Nevada Test Site for over 40 years, there is renewed scrutiny on these activities and there is a growing community interest in pursuing alternative waste management strategies. This paper reviews the active role that the University of Nevada, Las Vegas has played in promoting public awareness, understanding, and participation.