Type of Document	Dissertation
Author	Schively, Carissa
URN	etd-04132004-113623
Title	Risk Perception, Uncertainty, and Facility Siting: Lessons from Merchant Power in California
Degree	Doctor of Philosophy
Department	Urban and Regional Planning, Department of
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Bruce Stiftel Committee Chair Evan Ringquist Committee Member Robert E. Deyle Committee Member
Keywords	Public Participation Risk Perception Uncertainty LULU Energy
Date of Defense	2004-02-27
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract This dissertation highlights the results of an investigation of the effects of uncertainty on siting decisions involving Locally Unwanted Land Uses (LULUs). Focusing specifically on the siting of natural gas-powered energy facilities in California, the analysis of data gathered from a survey of participants illustrates the effects of participants’ uncertainties on siting processes and outcomes. The research focuses on four specific types of uncertainties: environmental risk uncertainty; solution uncertainty; interaction uncertainty; and commitment uncertainty. Environmental risk uncertainty is associated with perceived impacts on the environment. Solution uncertainty is tied to the process of evaluating and selecting proposed solutions or alternatives. Interaction uncertainty relates to the difficulty in determining the perceptions of others, the information that they hold, their preferences for solutions, and their likely actions. Commitment uncertainty influences participants’ assessments of the credibility of commitments made by other parties in the siting process. The findings point to the presence of each of the four types of uncertainty among siting process participants. In addition, the research suggests that participants exhibited certain actions as a result of their uncertainties including questioning experts, exhibiting reduced trust, focusing on a narrow set of issues, and manipulating analyses of alternatives. Further, the findings provide insights into the influence of uncertainty on siting process outcomes such as decision optimality and conflict among participants. Overall, the research suggests the importance of understanding the underlying basis of LULU responses and the need to craft siting processes that mitigate or at least account for participants’ uncertainties.
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