Problems with Publications Related to the Clinch River Breeder Reactor Project

Gao ID: EMD-77-74 January 6, 1978

Twenty-seven publications related to the Clinch River Breeder Reactor project were reviewed to determine if they were promotional in nature. These publications were issued by a variety of organizations, including the Energy Research and Development Administration and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, both now part of the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Breeder Reactor Corporation (BRC) which represents the utility industry in the joint government/industry project.

With the exception of 13 publications issued by BRC, all of the publications are technical and programmatic documents and are not propaganda. However, all 13 BRC publications are promotional in nature. At least 4 pamphlets are so oversimplified and distorted that they are clearly propaganda and are questionable for dissemination to the public. The 4 pamphlets fail to discuss complex and controversial issues and present only the advantages and none of the disadvantages of the breeder reactor and nuclear power. Even though public funds were not used for these publications, DOE should exercise some responsibility for the public's receiving balanced and objective information on these controversial issues.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

Director: No director on record Team: No team on record Phone: No phone on record


The Justia Government Accountability Office site republishes public reports retrieved from the U.S. GAO These reports should not be considered official, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Justia.