PR Firm Sought To Spin Nuclear Waste Concerns

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The U.S. Department of Energy's (DoE's) "division in charge of disposal and storage of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste, notably the controversial Yucca Mountain project, is on the hunt for a PR firm to develop its communications and public outreach," reports O'Dwyer's. DoE's Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management wants "strategic communications support targeting stakeholders and the public, through outreach programs in public schools and communities, and other elements like web work." The PR contract is for one year, with four one-year renewals possible. One objective is to develop "fact sheets and other informational materials including traditional hard copy materials as well as electronic media including but not limited to CDs, DVDs, and on-line streaming video." In 2006, the industry group Nuclear Energy Institute hired the PR firm Hill & Knowlton to promote the Yucca Mountain waste repository, and nuclear power in general.