U.S. Nuclear Support Increasing

Uranium (Nuclear Minerals) / Nuclear Power - Economics, Design, & Industry

Date posted: 03/26/15

Public support for nuclear energy in the U.S. is increasing with more than two-thirds of citizens favorable towards it, according to a new survey commissioned by the NEI. The survey found an overall increase in the percentage in favor of nuclear energy over the past three decades. The telephone survey of a national sample of 1,000 adults was conducted early this year by Bisconti Research and Quest Global Research. It is the latest in the NEI 32-year public opinion tracking program. A total of 68 per cent of those surveyed said they favored the use of nuclear energy for electricity generation in the U.S., with 30 pert cent saying they opposed it. Even more - 78 per cent - felt that nuclear would be important in meeting the electricity needs of the U.S. in the years ahead. The overall proportion in favor of nuclear is slightly up from a similar survey conducted in early 2014, which found 63 per cent in favor and 74 per cent feeling that it would be important in meeting the future energy needs. Although the gains on 2014 figures are small, the long-term picture shows a sustained positive turnaround, according to Bisconti Research president Ann Bisconti. In 1983, only half the public favored nuclear energy. Now, more than two-thirds of Americans are favorable, she said. The latest survey also shows an increase in public perception of the safety of nuclear power, with 79 per cent of respondents agreeing that the operating nuclear plants are safe and secure, up from 70 per cent in 2014. Asked to rank how they regarded the safety of the U.S. nuclear power plants, 64 per cent of respondents rated it as high and 22 per cent as low. When the question was posed in 1984, only 35 per cent saw it as high and 46 per cent as low. Favorable opinions - 86 per cent - on licence renewals for U.S. nuclear power plants and the need for new build have also strengthened. 62 percent agreed that the U.S. should definitely build more nuclear power plants in the future.