Poll finds 55% Favor New Nuclear Energy in U.S.
– By Stephen Heiser –
It will come as no surprise to most nuclear professionals that mainstream Americans favor new nuclear energy in the United States. Nuclear is clean, safe, and economical and already 20% of our electricity comes from commercial nuclear power plants.
A new poll from Rasmussen reaffirms that Americans support for nuclear power. For the past 30 years, nuclear power plants have generally been unpopular and the target of environmental groups, but 55% of voters now say more nuclear power plants should be built in the United States. Just 29% oppose new plants, with 15% undecided.”
Still, there are action items that Congress can implement that will bring the undecided and even some of the naysayers to the majority. These include:
* Addressing the outstanding nuclear waste issues
* Stabilizing the regulatory environment
* Make new construction costs more predictable
* Fast-track new reactor constructions
Other interesting results from the poll include the findings that investors certainly like the idea of new plants. Sixty-three percent (63%) want to see new nuclear plans built.”
This should give clear indication that additional federal handouts aren’t necessary to rebuild the U.S. nuclear industry. In fact, it’s already being built before construction of a plant or government assistance has even commenced.