Project Operations
Socioeconomic Studies

Socioeconomic Studies assesses the social and economic conditions of the local area. The staff of Socioeconomic Studies applies this information to determine any effects from the Project, current or anticipated, to avoid or reduce any harmful changes. The Nuclear Waste Policy Act and the National Environmental Policy Act require recording this data. This information also becomes a part of the Project's environmental impact statement.

The professionals who support this work are trained in such fields as population studies (demography), economics, public administration, sociology, and urban planning. The regions studied are those likely to be affected by the characterization) of Yucca Mountain and its possible use as a repository.

Evaluating possible changes in social and economic conditions begins by defining the geographical areas that could be affected. For the Project, these areas include Nye County and neighboring counties, as well as the entire state of Nevada. Socioeconomic Studies staff gathers this information by obtaining Census Bureau statistics; conducting surveys; and studying federal, state, and local records.

The staff also determines the current economic and demographic conditions of these regions. They study employment levels, average earnings, housing characteristics, local government revenue and spending patterns, and public services and facilities.

By using models or computer simulations, this group estimates how the specific regions may be affected by activities at Yucca Mountain -- for example, an increase in jobs. These models help forecast changes in the area's economy and demographics. The models use factors such as local spending and employment levels to evaluate the economic effects due to the Project -- from testing the site's suitability as a repository through construction, operation, and closure.

The Socioeconomic Studies group also helps prevent the region from losing potential income. They calculate the payments that the U.S. Department of Energy will make to the state of Nevada and the affected counties, under the Payments-Equal-to-Taxes Program. These payments replace the state and local taxes that these jurisdictions would collect if the Project's assets were privately owned. The Project's administrative records are the basis for determining these payments.

The Socioeconomic Studies team develops potential ways to reduce or avoid major negative social and economic effects caused by any Project activities. The staff expects to discuss these ideas with each of the affected areas throughout repository construction and operation.

 

Additional Information:
Why Yucca Mountain?	History of nuclear waste program
Who's watching us?	Project Fact Sheets
Project Operations	Transportation
Project Databases	Employment Opportunities

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