Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 19, A recent survey by Savanta, commissioned by Radiant Energy Group, indicates that public support for nuclear energy in 23 U.S. states exceeds opposition by a factor of 1.5. Conducted from August 30 to September 13, 2024, the online poll surveyed 23,795 adults across states with significant nuclear activity, populous regions, key swing states, and other areas of interest. Separately, a Gallup poll conducted from March 3 to 16, 2024, found that 61% of Americans nationwide favor nuclear energy, just below the 2010 peak of 62%.

Vogtle units 3 and 4 in Georgia, where support for nuclear is amongst the highest

In the Savanta survey, 40% of respondents across the 23 states supported nuclear energy, while 27% opposed it, with every state showing net positive sentiment. Georgia, Texas, and Arizona recorded the highest levels of support. Radiant Energy noted: “Georgia and South Carolina were significantly impacted by delays in the construction of Vogtle units 3 and 4 and the eventual abandonment of the VC Summer reactors, respectively. While these states are understandably among the most concerned about the time it takes to build nuclear plants, they are also two of the strongest in support for nuclear energy.”

Public preference leans toward maintaining and expanding nuclear energy infrastructure. Over three times as many respondents favored continuing its use rather than phasing it out, and in most states, more than 40% supported building new plants—double the number advocating for phase-out. Perceptions of nuclear energy’s environmental impact varied, with 37% associating it with low or no carbon emissions and 43% viewing it as producing moderate to high emissions.

The Gallup poll revealed that 29% of Americans strongly favor nuclear energy, 32% somewhat favor it, 20% somewhat oppose it, and 15% strongly oppose it. Support has grown since 2019, with 74% of Republicans, 64% of independents, and 46% of Democrats in favor. Gallup observed: “Republicans and independents are driving the latest increases in support, with Republicans up 12 percentage points and independents up eight percentage points since 2023.”

Historical data from Gallup shows fluctuating support since 1994, when 57% favored nuclear energy. Support dipped in 2016 amid low gas prices but has risen recently, possibly influenced by economic factors like inflation since 2021. The current 61% approval rate reflects a steady increase in public acceptance.

These findings highlight growing enthusiasm for nuclear energy across diverse U.S. regions, particularly in states like Georgia, home to Vogtle units 3 and 4. The surveys underscore a public preference for expanding clean energy options, with nuclear power viewed as a reliable contributor to sustainable energy goals, despite concerns about construction timelines in some areas.