Articulo_7_EN_Doxa_31_Nuclear_communication

example, events that may damage the image of the company or the sector but do not count as operating events, such as demonstrations by ecological or anti-nuclear groups, or the repercussion in the press of a statement opposing this energy source, among others) where the responsibility for communication falls to each nuclear plant or to the company which backs it.

Therefore, and in answer to the first question posed in this study, Spanish nuclear plants and the companies responsible for their operation, have real freedom to organize communication under normal circumstances although they must ensure the transparency required by the legislation. Moreover, the atomic plants can direct their crisis communication for non-operational episodes. However, in the case of a nuclear crisis the reins of communication are assumed by the competent authorities in Spain, following pre-established protocols.

Regarding the second question facing this study, current legislation covers information for citizens exclusively in situations of an operational nuclear crisis, as the different scenarios that may arise are covered, as is the information that must be provided to the public and which authority has the responsibility of disseminating this information. However, in those situations which do not constitute a nuclear crisis, there is no protection concerning information in the nuclear legislation due to the absence of greater and more specific detail in the regulations. The law establishes the general principle of transparency in communication with the public but does not make specific stipulations nor state how to measure such considerations in the varied circumstances that may occur in a nuclear plant in periods of normal activity.

To safeguard public interest and enhance transparency, we feel it necessary that all agencies participating in the nuclear field should establish an authentic commitment with society through norms of information. This would mean economic, political and ideological interests passing to a second plane to ensure greater understanding of the industry and to make clear the benefits and risks inherent in atomic activity, so as to ensure that the decisions made are taken for the common good.

But for this to become a reality, we understand that the first step is to establish regulations with greater detail and force to ensure citizens have access to transparent information. We feel that if this does not happen, the public is unprotected before an industry whose output implies risks, as is the case with nuclear power plants.

We consider that if greater detail were added to the legislation covering Nuclear Communication, society’s trust in the relevant institutions would be enhanced, as would the credibility that each citizen gives to the informing authority. This point could contribute to public acceptance of nuclear energy.

In light of the above, transparent information is a basic pre-requisite by law, a responsibility that cannot be evaded, and more than anything, an important commitment to the Spanish people.