Local labor market effects of nuclear power plants
Corresponding Author
Duha T. Altindag
Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
Correspondence
Duha T. Altindag, Auburn University, 136 Miller Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849-5049.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorJennifer U. Jones
Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, USA
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Duha T. Altindag
Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
Correspondence
Duha T. Altindag, Auburn University, 136 Miller Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849-5049.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorJennifer U. Jones
Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, USA
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Using a differences-in-differences strategy, we estimate the local economic effects of U.S. commercial nuclear power plants (NPPs). Our control group consists of locations where plant construction was planned but ultimately canceled. We find that NPP construction significantly increases local employment and wages, with effects concentrated in the construction and public utilities sectors. However, these gains dissipate once construction concludes and the plant becomes operational, as operational employment requirements are minimal. We find no significant spillover effects on neighboring towns, and commercial operations do not meaningfully impact broader labor market outcomes. Additionally, we find that NPP construction increases local government revenues and expenditures by approximately 10% to 15%, with funds primarily allocated to government administration and public works. These results suggest that while NPPs provide short-term economic stimulus, their long-term labor market and fiscal benefits may be limited.
Open Research
DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT
The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in Harvard Dataverse at https://doi.org/10.7910/DVN/TETAEG, V1, UNF:6:U21e8vjb/VNE6AZXCWdxDQ=[fileUNF].
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