may be a dichotomy between the SPS design concept and public preferences, and (b) the magnitude of the power output relative to present power-generation facilities have potentially wide sociological ramifications. Implementation of other large energy generation schemes has caused severe relocation of industry and populations. Thus, the preliminary assessment included treatment of this issue from the SPS perspective. The final assessment continued studies of public acceptability, considered the specific problems of the aged and conducted a public outreach experiment, including three public interest groups and thousands of individuals. All studies in this area were summarized in a document which also explored strategy options for the further involvement of the public in the unfolding SPS development process. The development of a national awareness of the possible environmental impacts of large-scale projects; passage of various laws and regulations for the purpose of controlling environmental degradation; mandatory direct public involvement in project review and approval; and the rise to prominence of public interest organizations have all made the consideration of public acceptability of the SPS very important. Because of the preliminary nature of the SPS concept development and evaluation and the lack of evidence to show any more than a minimal level of public awareness about the SPS, the investigative reports on public acceptance put most of their emphasis on the more general, pre-siting-related issues and the views of knowledgeable organized interests, expressed in the media through personal communication. SPS is not viewed as a highly acceptable energy alternative at this time. A partial listing of major concerns include: Environmental Microwave effects on health, safety and the environment Launch vehicle emission effects Land use/rectenna siting Non-Environmental Microwave communications effects Cost Internationalization Centralization effects Positive response focused on the SPS as: a possible solution to the energy crisis, an application of solar energy to meet baseload needs, and a general economic restorative. There is also a perception that the SPS will be a "cleaner" energy source than alternative energy systems. If there is one single point that advocates and opponents can agree on, it is that many of the potential impacts of the SPS program (both environmental and non-environmental) are not well understood and require further study. As a first step in alleviating public concerns and encouraging general participation in the SPS program, it is desirable to identify and establish a dialogue with important segments of the populace. With particular regard to the student population, several methods have been identified which could encourage or facilitate participation in the SPS discussion. The goals of student and public participation programs should be to create a flexible participation structure for direct involvement of the public in the SPS program development. The following criteria, among others, should guide the selection of appropriate participation techniques: placement of the SPS within a broader energy perspective, making the process multi-disciplinary and informational, and providing feedback to the DOE.
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