Public opinion, local pollution havens, and environmental justice: a case study of a community visioning project in Appalachian Ohio

The pollution havens hypothesis argues that developed countries will locate polluting industries in developing countries to avoid costs associated with environmental regulations. This study explores the role of community visioning and public opinion in creating a possible pollution haven in a rural area in Appalachian Ohio. Data from a community-based participatory process that included focus groups, key informants interviews, a regional public opinion survey, and an online voting activity are examined in the context of public acceptability of long-term environmental consequences for short term economic gain. The outcome of the multi-faceted community visioning process indicates that the approach to engaging citizens affects opinions about the future use of a federal uranium enrichment site in southeast Ohio. In addition, local pollution havens are likely to continue to emerge as long as the economy remains weak, and communities are willing to house facilities because they promise jobs even if they will create disparate environmental impacts.