Abstract
This paper documents that new construction of nuclear reactors stagnated after Chernobyl. This led to increased reliance on older reactor models, which have higher risks of reactor accidents relative to newer ones; and increased reliance on fossil fuels, which increased ambient air pollution and health risks. The reduction in nuclear construction was concentrated in the wealthy democracies that had the most of reactors before the accident, and particularly those with large fossil fuel corporations. Using granular U.S. data on campaign contributions, congressional voting records, newspaper content and advertisement revenues, we document patterns that are consistent with fossil fuel interests increasing lobbying efforts against nuclear energy after Chernobyl. We document consistent evidence using data on parliamentary minutes for members of parliament in the U.K.

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