Public Acceptability of Controversial Bioremediation Technologies. A. K. Wolfe and D. J. Bjornstad, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Our research focuses on the issue of social acceptability of bioremediation technologies, particularly genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs). Experience in other realms has shown that some technologies, such as incineration or those involving things nuclear, frequently are dismissed out of hand as non-options. Therefore, the fundamental question underlying our work is, "under what circumstances would a technology like genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs) be considered seriously as a remediation alternative." We emphasize a site-specific, decision-making context in which involved parties—technology sponsors, regulators, local government, researchers, civic and environmental groups—deliberate about remediation options.
Initially, we developed a conceptual framework called Public Acceptability of Controversial Technologies (PACT) that identifies critical dimensions affecting acceptability. Then, we analyzed recordings of U.S. Department of Energy Site-Specific Advisory Board meetings at three sites. These recordings were a venue through which to observe a real-world, formal deliberative process unobtrusively, using PACT to structure our analyses. This paper focuses on interim results from a series of simulation exercises designed to gather empirical data in a relatively controlled way. These exercises involve presenting small groups of role-playing "involved parties" with a series of scenarios, each of which incrementally adds pieces of information that have the potential to alter participants’ willingness to consider GEMs seriously. We analyzed the process and substantive content of participant interactions.
This work was funded by the U.S. DOE Natural and Accelerated Bioremediation Research Program, Bioremediation and its Societal Implications and Concerns Program Element.
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