A new survey by the Pew Research Center finds that a majority of Americans (57%) now favor expanding nuclear power in the United States, up from 43% in 2020. This is the highest level of support for nuclear power since the survey began asking this question in 2001.
The survey also finds that Americans are still far more likely to say they favor solar power (82%) and wind power (75%) than nuclear power. However, the gap between nuclear power and these other renewable energy sources has narrowed in recent years.
Advocates for nuclear power argue that it is a clean and reliable source of energy that can help to reduce carbon emissions. They also point out that nuclear power plants can operate 24 hours a day, unlike solar and wind power, which are intermittent.
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Critics of nuclear power point to the high cost of nuclear power plant projects and the challenges of handling radioactive waste. They also argue that nuclear power is not a sustainable solution in the long term, as the world’s supply of uranium is limited.
The survey finds that support for nuclear power is higher among men than women at 71% to 44% and Republicans than Democrats 70% to 43%.
The survey also finds that Americans are more likely to say the federal government should encourage the production of nuclear power (41%) than discourage it (22%). However, a far larger share of Americans (66%) think the federal government should encourage the production of wind and solar power.
The findings of this survey suggest that there is growing support for nuclear power in the United States. It also coincides with the resumption of commercial operation of the unit 3 reactor at Plant Vogtle near Waynesboro, in Georgia — marking the first new US nuclear power reactor since 2016.
Information for this story was found via Pew Research Center, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
